Thread: TD5 DEFENDER 5TH GEAR REBUILD

Don't belive that there is a different 5th gear ratio for an R380.

options would be taller transfer/diffs

or

external overdrive (via pto cover)

I would be happy to run an external overdrive but not on 5th, on 4th. The Rocky Mountain o/d is meant to be a strong unit.

Would increasing the gearing place more strain on the gear?

Originally Posted by Captain_Rightfoot

Is there anything in paticular that causes this type of failure?

Info from my mechanic was that the bearing design was changed, from a bush to a needle roller or something like that which wasn't as robust.

Mine was 5 years old when it first failed and had been religiously serviced with quality oils. Yes I do tow in 5th but you try driving a Defender all day at 100km/h in 4th gear!

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Info from my mechanic was that the bearing design was changed, from a bush to a needle roller or something like that which wasn't as robust.

Mine was 5 years old when it first failed and had been religiously serviced with quality oils. Yes I do tow in 5th but you try driving a Defender all day at 100km/h in 4th gear!

Yup, and suffix K onwards (1998/99 on) gearboxes have better layshaft and mianshaft support bearings aswell.
Towing in 5th dosen't kill them per se, but it is the length of time towing(KMs etc), load and quality of oil that determines 5th gear's lifespan. 4th is still the strongest gear in the box.
JC