Thread: Which is stronger LT85 (lightweight) or R380?

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

There is only one case pictured, so am assuming the case in the split case version is the type with the lattice and the solid case has no lattice in the casting?

Next questions are parts like the rear output shaft available new and can it be replaced without dismantling the whole box. If the rear output spline (to the LT230) is worn, would one assume the rest of the box is worn and not worth touching/buying?

Diana

The pic is of the gearbox both split & together (2 pics posted).
Also a split gearbox has the pattern on the gearbox housing & the other LT85 is smooth casting.
The output shaft does seem to wear faster than the rest of the gearbox, I have had 2x lt85's in pieces lately & had to source a shaft from Ashcroft, as I wanted a top job done, not the sort of job you want to do on the cheap.

Personally, with my LT95, I'm waiting on the overdrive being developed for it rather than the LT85

Thanks DeeJay

The lattice I mentioned, is what you refer to as the pattern.

I trust you are referring to the Roverdrive overdrive? That was supposed to be done by now, have just dropped Ray Wood a line.

Isuzurover I used to hav the same problem with my lt85 it went through a stage where it wouldn't like picking up 2nd gear smoothly but now it is all fine again for some reason that I don't know all I know is that now with a nice amount of power/torque on tap I am cautious of 5th gear on steep climbs

Ashcroft's mention the 1st/2nd shift fork bending as a common weakness on the LT85.

I got a little bit impatient with mine when it was reluctant to cold shift and I'm pretty sure that's what I've bent.

The problem with cold shifting went away when I changed to Syntrans and the gearbox kept on keeping on for another year after the point when I was sure it'd fail to proceed.

So would anyone buy a solid case LT85 with a worn output spline and 230K on the clock?

And:

What would be a reasonable cost?

All to go behind a 4BD1 Defender 150 with an aim of 4BD1-T.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

So would anyone buy a solid case LT85 with a worn output spline and 230K on the clock?

And:

What would be a reasonable cost?

All to go behind a 4BD1 Defender 150 with an aim of 4BD1-T.

I got an Lt85 from behind a V8 county. They seem to turn up every so often. Just bolt the isuzu bellhousing on and you're set.

A better option would be to source an LT95 instead, especially if you are adding a turbo. I'm not sure where from though.

The problem with the LT95 is that the 4BD1 bell housing can be difficult to find.

Then the Roverdrive (when available for the LT95) will be another couple of grand. (Athough I have a LT95 and a disco R380)

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

So would anyone buy a solid case LT85 with a worn output spline and 230K on the clock?

And:

What would be a reasonable cost?

All to go behind a 4BD1 Defender 150 with an aim of 4BD1-T.

I'd be cautious if it came from an Isuzu already, ones behind a V8 seem to have better lives.

If you are going to replace the output shaft, it means stripping down the whole gearbox so it makes sense to replace all the bearings seals etc. As posted elsewhere mine seems pretty good after a rebuild.

As for cost, I think I saw one not sell for $250 in NSW a couple of months ago.