Thread: R380 Disco Series1

I have a R380 in a disco 1 as well. Not sure if they are all the same, someone who knows more will probably give you better advice soon.
On mine though, the return to centre spring is on the very top of the box, and was broken when i brought it, making gearchanges a bit hit and miss as well. From what you say that would be the first thing i would check. I think you have to remove the centre console, then drill out the rivets holding the rubber cover in place. From there or not much deeper you should be able to see whats going on and if that is the problem or not...

There's a small chance i have photos if you get stuck...

Good luck

thanks ntdi, Yeah know exactly what needs to get removed as I've replaced the clutch myself years ago when the pivot ball punched thru the fork. this time I will not use pop riverts for the rubber, will use clips instead. Just been going thru the RAVE CD and can't see much in the way of help, maybe the time of day and long day at work.
The biggest downside is up here in Darwin is there is no LandRover dealer. I'll get to look at the shifter and then have to put it back together. then either order the parts required from the dealer up here or get it from someone like Ritter in Melb. they are great and get things from them quicker than the dealer gets it, unless you want to pay $$$$$$$$$ for quick freight.

CAN't WAIT TO MOVE BACK TO MELB!!!!! and my Dads garage so I can get the disco back to pristine quality. Yeah I know " it's a Landrover".

on the R380 there are 2 bias springs on top of the gearbox gear selector, pull the centre console and removed the rubber dust guard, you'll have to drill out the rivetts. The springs are held by 2 bolts and they bias springs are forced against a thin metal L shaped plate. This plate weakens over time and will tear and bend, the springs then move and changing gears is hard as you arn't guided during shifts. Common problem.
The plate can be rewelded to strenghten it and reused.
replace the removed dust shield rivets with rivnuts or self tappers to make future access easier.

Haha, saved me finding photos! That's exactly wheat happened to mine. That vertical tab on that metal plate snapped off completely, meaning the bias was stuffed up and the broken bit of metal was sometimes interfering with the changes. Mine I just welded up, did not have to buy any parts, has been fine since...

Thanks guys. Come to think of it I had that same problem about 8yr ago where it was partially broken off. got re-welded and has been good up till now. I have a feeling this is my problem. this morning on the way to work if I slowed down the changes and nicely guided the lever it was ok and had all gears. Hopefully it's this simple. will look at it on Saturday and hopefully won't forget the photos.

Don't forget eye protection and use a small pair of multigrips, those bias springs have a nasty bite when refitting

Fixed!!!! Only temporary until I get the part in from Melb.
Seems the lower plastic "Railko"???? Bush is very worn and is falling down onto the casing and jamming up the lever. what gave it away was the circlip that holds it in place was sitting on top of the ball all by its self.
Used some thin high strengh wire to hold it up in place until I get a new bush.
Also found out why it's hard to change from 3-4 & 5-4. The bloody return spring has worn a groove on the shift lever so it doesn't return far enough across. Easy fix. get the Mig welder out and fill it up then file smooth, hopefully last a few more years.
Like everyone says "it didn't happen without photos". check them out, and see my dodgy repair to the bush

Originally Posted by luke68

Fixed!!!! Only temporary until I get the part in from Melb.
Seems the lower plastic "Railko"???? Bush is very worn and is falling down onto the casing and jamming up the lever. what gave it away was the circlip that holds it in place was sitting on top of the ball all by its self.
Used some thin high strengh wire to hold it up in place until I get a new bush.
Also found out why it's hard to change from 3-4 & 5-4. The bloody return spring has worn a groove on the shift lever so it doesn't return far enough across. Easy fix. get the Mig welder out and fill it up then file smooth, hopefully last a few more years.
Like everyone says "it didn't happen without photos". check them out, and see my dodgy repair to the bush

Wow! I've seen a gear lever wear so much from bias springs