Thread: Identifying problems with LT85 in an Isuzu County?

Yes I suspect splines are worn as there is still a lot of backlash, even after reducing it in the rest of the driveline.

I haven't had a chance to drain the oil yet (super-busy atm), I will try to do it this week though.

Nick

OK, don't ask why it's take so long but:

Changed the transfer box oil today.

There were more particles on the sump magnet than I was expecting


There was also a fair amount of bronze filings in the oil (I took a pic but it's not easy to see).

Maybe it is the trans case after all. But I will need to do a more thorough inspection.

Nick

Pull the PTO cover (6 bolt plate) on the back of the t-case and check for mainshaft wear. This can be done without draining the oil.

If that is OK, intermediate gear/bearings or centre diff would be my next guesses.

If the mainshaft is worn it will mean a box rebuild with new mainshaft. If the mainshaft is fine and something else is gone, the cheapest way out will be to find a late D1 t-case in good condition.

Thanks Ben.

I'll check the mainshaft tomorrow.

gearbox is still running fine just a slight whine. I'll try and get some pics.

Nick

ok. I had a problem whilst out at the weekend.

Driving on a dirt track in low range centre diff engaged, the transmission appeared to 'wind up' which locked the wheels and stalled the isuzu. This happened again straight after but was ok in high range.

Got home on the highway fine but today it's been noisier than ever.

I drained the oil (more filings in the oil less than a week old) from the LT230 and took the inspection panel off. The gears look fine but I think the bearings are stuffed on the intermediate shaft. I can move the intermediate gear cluster at least 4mm along the shaft. But more worrying is that there is movement across the shaft - i.e the bearings are stuffed? They are taper bearings there so I'm not sure if they've collapsed or if they've dropped their preload.

The intermediate gears turn ok but seem to bind (when turned by hand) about once a rev.

I guess what happened is that in low range the gears were pushed out of mesh alignment and they bound up?

Couple of questions:

1.Am I right in thinking the bearings are stuffed?

2.Is it worth just pulling the intermediate gears or should I re-do the whole box. Bearing in mind that I do have quite a lot of backlash in the box. I'm guessing it's best to do the whole box?

Cheers
Nick

I've recently stripped 2 Lt85"s & overhauled one. Both had done 340,000 k's.
The one I overhauled belonged to a Landie enthusiast who stopped driving when he heard some "bad noise" come from the box.
The other one was driven on regardless, until it threw in the towel. The fact is, that made it totally irrepairable, even the layshaft had stripped gears. If you are having the vehicle off the road, my best advice is to get the whole box looked at.
How many k's has it done?

It is likely the intermediate shaft hole in the front face of the t-case is also ovaled. MR Automotive (and likely others) can bore the case and fit a sleeve.

The intermediate shaft may also be cactus.

Sounds like you should do a rebuild or source a good 2nd hand t-case.

Hi Deejay,

It's done 440k. The previous owner have the gearbox overhauled but I don't think the transfer box was done.

So what happened when the box you had 'threw in the towel'? Did it strip the gears? Crack the case? The reason I ask is that I'm wondering if there is any danger of the drivetrain locking up whilst in high range on the road. I don't plan on driving it much but I may need to do some small city trips until I get a new box through.