Thread: Rebuilding R380

Originally Posted by specwarop

How hard is it to rebuild a R380 that would have been installed on a 94 2.5Tdi?
Reason I ask is my box will grind into 2nd (if im going too fast, though it shouldn't do it), will be a bit dodgy into 3rd, and is a bit hard to get into 1st. Reverse is a bit dodgy also.
I'm thinking of an exchange but I hear that its $2500 for all the work. Which is simply too much.
So can I do it myself? What tools do I need?

It is an easy job, but really needs a hoist/ pit, a strong and safe trans jack etc and a reasonable amount of mechanical aptitude/ skill to remove and refit the trans. Don't try the rebuild yourself unless you have some previous transmission rebuilding experience. They aren't a complicated box, but still shouldn't be undertaken lightly.

As regards the symptoms, have you considered the clutch could be causing this? It is rare for all those gears you mentioned to be suspect, especially being troublesome getting into and out of first and reverse smells like clutch hydraulics or a seperating clutch friction plate or breaking clutch fork. A lot of R380's will have poor shifting with the incorrect oil also. Try some Dex3 or TypeF auto trans fluid, it may make all the difference

JC

Yeah ill change the oil and see how that goes, then i had intended on taking it to a specialist for a diagnostic.
I have done a bit of mechanical work before, Rebuilt falcon engines and the sort, taken diffs out and all that. But the more fine work of rebuilding a gearbox i haven't done. Also what tools are required, out of the ordinary?

Originally Posted by specwarop

Yeah ill change the oil and see how that goes, then i had intended on taking it to a specialist for a diagnostic.
I have done a bit of mechanical work before, Rebuilt falcon engines and the sort, taken diffs out and all that. But the more fine work of rebuilding a gearbox i haven't done. Also what tools are required, out of the ordinary?

Tools;
A decent hydraulic puller and legs with a bearing puller attachment, punches, copper hammer, dial gauge, cleaning apparatus, decent workbench, a good strong trans jack or an adapter for a trolley jack if removiing it on the ground, it isn't any more complicated than engine and diff building/ repairs. A RAVE CD manual is essential, these can be bought through the online shop on this site.

You'll be fine. Besides, we're all here if you need encouragement and advice etc! And where are you located?

Try the oil first, and report back

JC

I am located in Perth, WA....Dont have a lot of those tools haha.
Would it be worth buying another broken gearbox and rebuilding that....

Originally Posted by specwarop

I am located in Perth, WA....Dont have a lot of those tools haha.
Would it be worth buying another broken gearbox and rebuilding that....

Hmmm, you want to own 2 broken R380's??? Are u insane???

No, unless you don't want the vehicle off the road for long I suggest you just fix yours if it comes to that.

At least you know it doesn't have any gear noises or other seriously expensive issues in addition to the crunchiness.

JC

Yeah that's true. Just trying to avoid the long term layup of my car.
I think it also would allow me to rebuild the other one in my own time, so if i encounter a problem, there is no rush to fix it...

Originally Posted by specwarop

Yeah that's true. Just trying to avoid the long term layup of my car.
I think it also would allow me to rebuild the other one in my own time, so if i encounter a problem, there is no rush to fix it...

Good point then, maybe try and find a damaged/goer to test drive first? Even thought about getting a whole vehicle like that and wrecking it? If you're lucky the sale of the parts like the Tdi and transfer case/ diffs etc will end up paying for your trans rebuild!

JC

According to the R380 Overhaul manual that i found. It says there are about 10-15 special landrover tools that I need to rebuild the box...Are these actually necessary, or can i rebuild the box with the convential gear?
Regards