Options for adding CDL - 2003 D2 V8 Auto

Just considering if I should swap the transfer box out for one with CDL, no desparate rush to do the job and I'm really only considering it because it just seems like it should be there, as a back up for the one time when traction control stops working and you get stuck.

The existing car is very low mileage, circa 70k, the current running gear is quiet so I'm reluctant to go and buy a high mileage unit that may then need a full rebuild.

The current box has nothing there, the top of the casing is flat & smooth - no evidence of 3 bolts or cover plate.

One option that I've seen mentioned is swapping the nose cone to the front drive shaft that contains the CDL - is it a simple swap from any other transfer box or are there differences between models and over the years ? There are more diesel transfer boxes about so is that an issue.

- Is the nose cone identical for Manual & Automatics
- Is everything required contained within the nose cone or is there possibly parts needed in the main differential
- Are there any switches/sensors specific to the Petrol Auto that would make using a diesel doner a problem
- Are there differences over the years in the prop shaft flanges and output shafts that I need to be aware of
- Is it within the cababilities of a hobbyist ( I've swapped many clutches and rebuilt engines, but never touched a transfer box )
- How many hours work is it ( just the box part, I know I'd have to so some work on the selector )

I’ve swapped nose cone on a D2 diesel, easy enough to do approximately 2 hours with the box on the car. I think there’s instructions on Ashcroft Transmissions website.

Leave it well alone the d3 is a far more complicated beast than the d2, if it ain't broke don't fix it !!!!

biketeacherdave said:

Leave it well alone the d3 is a far more complicated beast than the d2, if it ain't broke don't fix it !!!!

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No mention of D3 in the ops post, he just asking about retro fitting the parts from a donor D2 TB with the internals, to the TB on his D2 which isn't fitted with the necessary 'bits'. As far as I know the TB boxes diesel or petrol are the same but there are wiring 'adjustments' to do. People who know more will give you a better idea than I can on the wiring side of things, all the best.

JohnKeane said:

The existing car is very low mileage, circa 70k, the current running gear is quiet so I'm reluctant to go and buy a high mileage unit that may then need a full rebuild.

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That's very important so if i was you i'd just get this kit https://ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/product/cdl-update-kit/ and fit it to that low mileage box rather than spending less for an old box which can be worn inside