Thread: Whats happened to my gearbox?

Dave

What ever the problem is it sounds like it is time to fit an R380 - if you have a V8very simple, if you have an Isuzu a little more cpmplicated but worth it as the R380 is a better and box than the LT85.

CHT

I have an R380 spare but I have heard the LT85 is a better box strength wise.

The LT 85 has been regarded as a stronger box than the R380, but after looking carefully at this claim have come to the conclusion that this is not the case particularly with late suffix R380s: 5th gear in the R380 is stronger and better supported that 5th in the LT85, the LT85 has bearing problems that the R380 does not have, the intermediate gears in an R380 appear to be stronger than those in the LT85. Ian Ashcroft - Landrover transmisson specialist in the UK - has told me that in his opinion the R380 suffix K or L is a much better and stronger gearbox than the LT85 and that they stand up well behind high horsepower V8s without problem

What did I use behind my 4BD1T? a late suffix R380/LT230 TC 1.2:1 ratio high range. After not far short of 50000ks in just over twelve months (a lot of the time in remote parts fully laden and working hard) zero problems with the gearbox and drivetrain) I had an LT95 Isuzu bell housing in reserve and have now sold it. I hope that that should set things in perspective for you.

Christopher

Thanks for that info. I have a 95 disco that I am braking at the moment. I have the R380(from a 96 rebuild I think) plus the transfer case and v8 bell housing. I read somewhere that I will need to modify the transmission tunnel. I also need to get a longer stick gearshift. Any ideas?

sounds like youve done a bearing... possably a front plate one Brian hejlms did the same thing and with 2 balls out of the input shaft bearing missing it was still driving though jumping gears and it sounded like it was filled with gravel as opposed to oil.


his boxes internals were a write off though the box itself was salvageable.

if you can get a secondhand working late R380 Id be seriously thinking about dropping that in if the layshaft is damaged.

Originally Posted by coops71

Thanks for that info. I have a 95 disco that I am braking at the moment. I have the R380(from a 96 rebuild I think) plus the transfer case and v8 bell housing. I read somewhere that I will need to modify the transmission tunnel. I also need to get a longer stick gearshift. Any ideas?

disco and defender boxes are different, selector arrangement and V8 and TDi boxes are different as well. I think that is correct, this discussion has been had before so search around.