LT230 ATB strength question

**jbe** · 23rd January 2017, 09:25 PM

Given that I have to completely strip my transfer case to put MaxiDrive crawler gears in, I am seriously considering also replacing the LT230 centre diff with the Ashcroft ATP.

I spoke to David Ashcroft about this, but I didn't get a 100% clear answer on the comparative strength between the upgraded centre diff (HD cross pin) vs the ATB.

That's why I'm looking for feedback from people who have fitted it.

I have a Defender TD5 with a BAS VNT turbo, remapped ECU and run 35? wheels.

My question is, is the LT230 ATB as strong as the LT230 centre diff with the HD cross pin upgrade or not.

Cheers
Joachim

**PAT303** · 23rd January 2017, 11:53 PM

There's no way I'd refit a center diff,it's a PITA.Go the ATB. Pat

**jbe** · 24th January 2017, 05:54 AM

OK, thanks. Any comment on strength?

**CraigE** · 24th January 2017, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by PAT303

There's no way I'd refit a center diff,it's a PITA.Go the ATB. Pat

So does fitting an ATB make the centre diff lock lever redundant?
Cheers
Craig

**Disco Muppet** · 24th January 2017, 10:45 AM

No. In the unlocked position the ATB nature of the diff is in effect, in the locked position it's locked.

**jbe** · 24th January 2017, 11:48 AM

I think, the easiest way to describe it is that an unlocked ATB behaves similar to a LSD (although it is a Torson design diff) which would negate the need lock the centre diff on gravel and the likes. I'd still lock it for low range work.
I'm pretty much sold on this product and will put it in my car.

**Dorian** · 24th January 2017, 01:47 PM

I've got no actual strength data, but when you look at the design of the ATB, It uses the steel to transfer the load from the Crown to the axles in a completely different manner. I'd bet my left leg that the ATB design would take several times more load to break it than the cross pin design

Cheers Glen

**alien** · 24th January 2017, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dorian

I've got no actual strength data, but when you look at the design of the ATB, It uses the steel to transfer the load from the Crown to the axles in a completely different manner. I'd bet my left leg that the ATB design would take several times more load to break it than the cross pin design

Cheers Glen

Side by side the ATB looks stronger
With the old centre once you have put heavy duty pins in the spider gears would take the load.
Add to that the need to do spider gear shims as part of a long term maintance an ATB is the way to go.
I'm very happy having fitted one to mine.

**jbe** · 24th January 2017, 04:39 PM

I ordered it today. Unfortunately, I have to wait until after my High Country trip to put it in in about a month.

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