Which Gearbox and Tranfer Box????

I am in the process of doing a 200TDi conversion on my 1988 Land Rover 90 N/A Diesel.

The original LT77 gearbox is getting a bit tired, the syncros were starting to go and it rattled when in N, which stops when the clutch is pressed down.

I was just going to get the original box reconditioned and put it back in. But a friend of mine suggested that I change the transfer box for a disco one, or change the box and transfer box for a defender 200tdi one. so it would give be better gear ratio for driving on the road.

I use the Landy mainly for offroading and general domestic work horse. I am currently running 33/12.5R15 tyres possibly going to 35 in the future.

Any ideas what would be best??

changing it for a Disco box isnt just a straight swap - the gear lever system is different and, again, not just an unbolt and bolt on jobby, from what I have heard. The Disco T box has a different ratio - 1.44 as distinct from 1.41(I think), so it will be more "long legged" - ie better cruising and higher top speed. That is an easy swap .

yeh, like mhm said you cant really use the disco box without a lot of work .. better if you stick to the defender one .....

If you are going to fit a Disco t/box with 35's you may find the gearing a bit high when using around town or inclines around 30 mph, I did and changed back to defender t/box. If using for mainly motorway driving it will benifit and you will get better MPG. Off roading will make no difference as it doesn't affect low ratio

I am in the process of sticking a disco box into my defender, I had the 200tdi + 235/85 tyres on my disco before it got killed and had no problems with them.

Disco T-box and defender gear box, no argument. That way ull not have used all your gears by the time youve reached 40mph.

Ok thanks for the advice ill get my original gearbox reconditioned and keep my eyes open for a Disco transfer box.

The LT77 box i have is a suffix E is this any good or one of the weak ones??

The LT 77 was introduced to the Landrover range in approx 1983 with the suffix D box and was developed over the years to the suffix H which was last used in 1994.

The D and E are very similar the only difference being the reverse gear was a little fatter in the E,

When they went from E to F larger layshaft bearings were used.

The G was further improved by all the gear teeth including the pinion getting approx 20% thicker. Also a much wider pump was used to increase the lubrication and cope with the fact that some of the LT 77"s were now being supplied oil cooled, ie V8 NAS 90, 3.9 RR Classic and the 3.5 EFI Discos.

The H (termed the LT 77S) was the same as the G in terms of strength but used a different syncro set up called the "Double Syncro", In reality it didn"t work much better

A rattle that disappears when the clutch is pressed is usually a knackered release bearing. If the gearbox is coming off, you'd probably overhaul the clutch anyway.

Ah just the info i needed, I mite be better of looking out for a G or H suffix box then.

Anyone know of one for sale in the west midlands area?

How can a rattle that goes when the clutch is pressed be the release bearing? Surely when that bearing is under no load itll make no noise?

When the bearing's not under load, its component parts are free to move relative to each other. If its old/worn/dry, the clearances can be enough to set up a rattle.