S3 ashcroft High Ratio Transfer Case Kit

i am about to rebuild a gearbox and came across this. is anyone using or had one of these a ashcroft High Ratio Transfer Case Kit fitted to their S3.
http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/the-series-vehicle/high-ratio-transfer-case-kit.html

are they any good?
did they make much of a difference?
cheers Mik

I have one on my series 3 with 200DI discovery engine [minus turbo]
Replaced a fairey overdrive with it , I like it makes 1st usable and rest of gears range much longer.
I wanted it as I have started trialling and use low range a lot so did not want the fairey clutch sleeve to be the weak link in my drive train.
Gives 30% increase in gearing where as Fairey 28% Discovery diffs give similiar but affect low range as well.
So it all depends what you use your landrover for.
Needs the extra power so no good behind a 2.25 diesel may be ok behind uprated 2.25 Petrol.

Plus one on needing the extra power. I tried 3.54 diffs on a 2.25 diesel and took them off within a month.

Will ashcroft supply you the modified case and gears and you have to assemble the box yourself ?

Seems a very good price even if you do need to assemble as an unknown used over drive seems to go for atleast £500

That is how I did mine sent them an empty transfer case and they sent me one with the intermediate shaft relocated and the new gear set.
Their web site has shown unavailable for quite some time but some one has called them recently and I got the impression they where offering to assemble transfer case.
Which seemed strange as you would have to dismantle to fit to gearbox.

It says that if they are out of stock its due to no old units being returned but you can send them yours and they will machine that

Seems a way better long term solution than an overdrive if you dont mind taking out the box

bynack said:

i am about to rebuild a gearbox and came across this. is anyone using or had one of these a ashcroft High Ratio Transfer Case Kit fitted to their S3.
http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/the-series-vehicle/high-ratio-transfer-case-kit.html

are they any good?
did they make much of a difference?
cheers Mik

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Had one before. They are excellent, couldnt praise it enough. Same increase in high range as Fairey OD, but doesnt make low range too high. Very much stronger than Fairey, and no need to cut your transmission tunnel for the extra gear lever.

It was thirty years ago when I got mine. I picked up a modified case, and the gear cluster, and left the old case with Ashcrofts. Then assembled it at home myself. Not sure if this is still what happens, Ashcroft was a very smal concern in those days.

+1
I've got one with no overdrive. It makes 1st much more usable and it bit less screaming when cruising.

Cheers i was in two minds about it. Will send off my transfer box to ashcroft they have ready built up ones which is one less thing to do as i have to completely rebuild the gear box. thanks

Does anyone know what they charge for a ready built one ?

chrisstdt said:

Does anyone know what they charge for a ready built one ?

Click to expand...

Afraid not, and in any case Ashcrofts is a long trip for you.
It isnt a difficut job if you have basic mechanical ability, all the parts are manually liftable, no engine crane or anything needed.

If you really dont want to do it, I think Ashcroft have a network of garges that will fit the stuff. Might be on their website, or give them a ring. Always found Ian and his son very friendly and helpful.

If no joy with that, any competent local landy independent will easily tackle that job.

hiya lads , can this be done from underneath without removing the gearbox

series2steve said:

hiya lads , can this be done from underneath without removing the gearbox

Click to expand...

Probably, but IIRC it is easier to take the seat base out and do it from above. Might be better underneath if you have a ramp.
Main box stays where it is.

thankukindly