Thread: LT230 Transfer Case Ratio Change

Originally Posted by CraigE

Has anyone here done the LT230 High gear ratio change in a Defender 1.410 to a 1.222? I dont mean just changing the whole transfer case, but also interested to hear how that has gone. I have a 1.222 LT230 and am stripping that down with the intent of changing the high ratio gears over and retainingthe Defender low ratio. I know Ashcrofts have a kit for this, but as I already have the spare box only need a new spacer, peen nut and nut.
If anyone has done this can they let me know if it was an improvement and also any negatives.
At present I have removed the intermediate gears from the donor box. If I can strip this out successfully this will determine if I go ahead with the box out of my Defender.
Cheers
Craig

Low range is the same for all LT230s. It is better to swap cases as there may be differences in your 2 boxes.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Low range is the same for all LT230s. It is better to swap cases as there may be differences in your 2 boxes.

Interesting, can you confirm this. I was told different and Ashcrofts state they are different. My understanding is the Defender box is 1.410 low and high and the Discovery 1.222. Sort of makes sense to me as the Defender seems to crawl way better than the Disco I had.
I am now confused.
Ashcrofts actually sell a high range kit with gears at 1.222 to change out but as I have a 1.222 box as well dont need the gears just a new spacer and nut.
The box out of the Disco is a little different, so a straight swap is not feasible.
Cheers
Craig
Just found some info that indicates all are 3.22:1 Low but not sure that covers all as seems to only list 90, 110 V8 Disco, V8 110 and Tdi and early Range Rover. But going by this table a Defnder should be a 1.67 not a 1.410?
http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/gear_ratio.htm

Originally Posted by CraigE

Interesting, can you confirm this. I was told different and Ashcrofts state they are different. My understanding is the Defender box is 1.410 low and high and the Discovery 1.222. Sort of makes sense to me as the Defender seems to crawl way better than the Disco I had.
I am now confused.
Ashcrofts actually sell a high range kit with gears at 1.222 to change out but as I have a 1.222 box as well dont need the gears just a new spacer and nut.
The box out of the Disco is a little different, so a straight swap is not feasible.
Cheers
Craig
Just found some info that indicates all are 3.22:1

All lt230s are 3.32:1 low range

Originally Posted by CraigE

Interesting, can you confirm this. I was told different and Ashcrofts state they are different. My understanding is the Defender box is 1.410 low and high and the Discovery 1.222. Sort of makes sense to me as the Defender seems to crawl way better than the Disco I had.
I am now confused.
Ashcrofts actually sell a high range kit with gears at 1.222 to change out but as I have a 1.222 box as well dont need the gears just a new spacer and nut.
The box out of the Disco is a little different, so a straight swap is not feasible.
Cheers
Craig
Just found some info that indicates all are 3.22:1 Low but not sure that covers all as seems to only list 90, 110 V8 Disco, V8 110 and Tdi and early Range Rover. But going by this table a Defnder should be a 1.67 not a 1.410?
Land Rover gear ratios

As Pete said. All are 3.32:1 low, it is just the high range that changes.
I have a disco 1.222 case in my 110 and before that had a 1.210 disco case. From memory I just had to swap the speedo drive. The H/L linkage works in reverse though - but no biggiie.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

As Pete said. All are 3.32:1 low, it is just the high range that changes.
I have a disco 1.222 case in my 110 and before that had a 1.210 disco case. From memory I just had to swap the speedo drive. The H/L linkage works in reverse though - but no biggiie.

Ok thanks for that, exactly what I am after.
Now to pick your brain.
What are the pros and cons?
Does it make the 110 difficult to drive or tow?
That's probably more what I am after.
Looking at the case the selector housing is different and has no place for the low detect switch, so I am better off using my case.
I have the 1.222 transfer case in pieces and at worst is a exercise for me to learn how to pull apart and put back together. Fairly easy swap to change the gears over, so if there are benefits I will go ahead.
Thanks for your input, exactly what i am after.
Cheers
Craig

Craig,you might find it'll struggle off idle,I towed with a D2 and had to slip the clutch more than I'd like,I was towing a Holden Calibra that had snapped it's timing belt,maybe 2T all up with the trailer. Pat

May just put the 1.410 back in then if it is a struggle to tow. I know at times even with the 1.410 it can be slightly hard to get off the mark.
Cheers
Craig

Hi Craig,

I am going to change mine back to 1.410. A real pain in the butt towing and ratios are too far apart on the dirt in high ratio with 1.222. Fuel economy on the big trips is good though.

If anyone wants to swap a set of Ashcroft 1.222 gears with approx 50k on them for 1.410's I am listening.

Rick