Thread: gearbox backlash

Originally Posted by Ace

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can tell me how much it would cost to fix the backlash in a 94 fender? Just trying to get the cash together if all things fall into place to buy a fender and have found one and the only mechanical thing wrong is there is quite a bit of backlash. Just wondering if anyone knows how much to have it repaired, or if it is an easy fix to do at home? Matt

A 94 can have the dreaded transfer case input gear issue or axle drive flanges issue or, '' Both!

Maxidrive canfix the axle/drive flange issue,mine cost $850 2 years ago if you fit yourself, the input gear can be a bit more serious as the shaft may need replacing, best commented on by a mechanic or someone who knows.
Also look at the rubber bushes on the chassis end of your trailing arms and radius arms as these can contribute to the 'clunk' if considerably worn.

Originally Posted by Ace

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can tell me how much it would cost to fix the backlash in a 94 fender? Just trying to get the cash together if all things fall into place to buy a fender and have found one and the only mechanical thing wrong is there is quite a bit of backlash. Just wondering if anyone knows how much to have it repaired, or if it is an easy fix to do at home? Matt

Are you sure it's backlash in the gearbox itself ?
If it's a 300tdi, then it might still have the original transfer case input gear & the mainshaft splines might be suffering from the lack of lubrication issue.

The transfer case itself can be the cause of backlash too. Often the centre diff shims will wear resulting in backlash.

As long as it's not due to spline wear, I'd be incined to live with it unless it was really, really bad.

Are you sure you want a Defender ?
We had to push the buggers downhill yesterday !!

Ace,

This is lkely the reason the 'fender is for sale in the first place. It is very likely the mainshaft and transfer gear, and the axles/ flanges, and the A frame ball joint also figures in this backlash problem with these, prior to built date 1996. Later ones flog axles and ball joints too, but after '96 the transfer gear issue was addressed, so a lot less shock loads hit downstream, making the BJ and the axles last a little longer.
If I had to quote on the above 3 problems, I would be supplying a full Reco R380, a new transfer gear and a tighten / adjustment of the transfer intermediate shaft etc, a pair of maxi axles and flanges and a A frame BJ, all up AROUND$4800.00 including clutch, hub mods for the MD axles, and ensuring your R380 gets the uprated 2nd /3rd synchro hub, all oils and labour.
These are expensive fixes for a fender, but not unusual problems. I usually end up sourcing good tested used transmissions, but fit new everything else. The problem can arise though, with the labour to change transmissions etc, a 2nd hand limited or no warranty box can cost 1200 to 1500, whereas a reco one about 2500. Almost not worth the hassle.
BE careful buying landies, and don't take the salesmans ' all landies have the clunk' rubbish. Some are a quite bad, and you have to factor in worst case $$$$ when buying, or pay the price later yourself...

JC

Hi Ace,

JDNSW's post in this thread pretty much covers it. I only fixed the backlash in the 130 with a gearbox rebuild and a new clutch - one of the clutch bearings had collapsed, old clutch plate was fine.

How much time/access do you have to the Defender? All of the basic checks are jack and fiddle jobs except for the end flange thingys. Which is a pity, 'cos they're also the cheap (using the Defender definition of cheap) fixes. If you can eliminate those, all you're left with is expensive fixes that you really don't want to get involved with. Take my word on that one.

Be absolutely scrupulous in you inspection and don't buy long distance. Is Greylandy's 110 two door still about? That one looked like a good buy to me.

If it is too cheap, it probably is too cheap.

Cheers,
Simon.

It already has had the flanges done, the A frame ball joint and already has maxi-axles, so the problem has to be in the gearbox or transfer case. The vehicle is sound, its Herny's troopy, at the moment i cant afford a newer model as they are all well over 10k and our budget is spot on what Henry wants for his. Its not certain yet, have to wait for a few things to fall into place financially but its a possibility. I just wanted to ask around to see if this was going to be an immediate replacement job or if it could wait and i could live with it. Given the flanges, a-frame and axles are new what would you guys think now? Matt

Originally Posted by Ace

Given the flanges, a-frame and axles are new what would you guys think now? Matt

Mainshaft splines.
It's not all that hard to check. Remove the rear cover off the transfer case to have a look.
Has Henry chased the backlash problem at all ?

It might just be centre diff shims too. Have you driven it at all ?

Ace,
I have been though this with my County, ( see the markets ad ) it had all the same symptoms ie. too much back-lash. I finally decided to fix the problem as I became reluctant to venture too far from civilisation, the mainshaft and input gear were so worn that there was only minimal meshing between the two. If you're able to remove the TC and G/box yourself and have a mechanic friend assist you with the rebuild, you will save many dollars. I also purchased most of the parts from the UK, the price difference to AUS. was substantial, even with freight, customs and GST.
Maggsie

Originally Posted by maggsie

Ace,
I have been though this with my County, ( see the markets ad ) it had all the same symptoms ie. too much back-lash. I finally decided to fix the problem as I became reluctant to venture too far from civilisation, the mainshaft and input gear were so worn that there was only minimal meshing between the two. If you're able to remove the TC and G/box yourself and have a mechanic friend assist you with the rebuild, you will save many dollars. I also purchased most of the parts from the UK, the price difference to AUS. was substantial, even with freight, customs and GST.
Maggsie

Thanks maggsie, did you do the work yourself? I have no problem getting the box etc out, i have only just has the T/C out of the disco. How much did the parts etc set you back taking into account getting them here? Matt