Awful noise and squeak R380 - Safe to drive home?

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Hi guys!

I need some advice on my gearbox, sounding like it's about to explode any minute now.

So I began my 300km weekend trip this morning, happy as always driving my beloved Defender.
I know the 5th gear has been noisy for some time (sounds like a worn bearing), otherwise no big issues.
But, after about an hour at 110km/h a nasty squeaking noise on acceleration, got more intense for 10 seconds then back to normal.

After 2 hours the sound occured more often, and now making solid clunks, like something had broken apart and slammed the gearbox interior. I ended up driving in 4th gear on the side the last hour, fearing that matters would end in disaster. So 5th gear is fried - the other ones ok (maybe a little similar squeak in 3rd)

I realize that the gearbox need to be overhauled but my question is IF I can drive it home tomorrow, or does that risk to destroy other parts of the gearbox? My plan is to take smaller roads and stay in 4th gear.

Much appreciated if anyone with experience could comment on this!

Otherwise - no concerns from my side, I'm really looking forward to learn how to recondition the R380!!!
 
I would be checking the oil level with some urgency - I.E. ASAP. Whether you drive it home will probably depend on how much work you want repairing it. in terms of safety, I haven't enough experience of the 380 to know what its likely to do, but have seen layshafts come out the side of the series cases - but they are ali, and the 380 is iron. However, sudden seizure might your driving experience a little "interesting".

I am old and possibly quite boring, so I would er on the side of caution, and if you have doubts, I would be getting it recovered - which I know is not ideal.

Good luck.
 
Hi guys!

I need some advice on my gearbox, sounding like it's about to explode any minute now.

So I began my 300km weekend trip this morning, happy as always driving my beloved Defender.
I know the 5th gear has been noisy for some time (sounds like a worn bearing), otherwise no big issues.
But, after about an hour at 110km/h a nasty squeaking noise on acceleration, got more intense for 10 seconds then back to normal.

After 2 hours the sound occured more often, and now making solid clunks, like something had broken apart and slammed the gearbox interior. I ended up driving in 4th gear on the side the last hour, fearing that matters would end in disaster. So 5th gear is fried - the other ones ok (maybe a little similar squeak in 3rd)

I realize that the gearbox need to be overhauled but my question is IF I can drive it home tomorrow, or does that risk to destroy other parts of the gearbox? My plan is to take smaller roads and stay in 4th gear.

Much appreciated if anyone with experience could comment on this!

Otherwise - no concerns from my side, I'm really looking forward to learn how to recondition the R380!!!
would sound like lay shaft bearings ,how far have you to go ,reconditioning the box is easy its how many parts it needs that make that viable or not
 
would sound like lay shaft bearings ,how far have you to go ,reconditioning the box is easy its how many parts it needs that make that viable or not

It's 300km , so around 180 miles. Or 10 hours in 4th gear :)

What are the risks involved here? (oops I like risks...)
I'm not really into paying the transport cost or beg a friend to drive 600 km in one day.
I'd rather spend the money on replacement parts.
 
See my reply, #2 above where layshaft failure is mentioned, which was then hinted at by JamesMartin in #4.

Also mentioned in #2 was my advice not to drive it, confirmed by Al203.

However, it is your gearbox, and you will get the bill for fixing it, so your call !!

As I also said before, Good Luck, I've a feeling you might need it!
 
See my reply, #2 above where layshaft failure is mentioned, which was then hinted at by JamesMartin in #4.

Also mentioned in #2 was my advice not to drive it, confirmed by Al203.

However, it is your gearbox, and you will get the bill for fixing it, so your call !!

As I also said before, Good Luck, I've a feeling you might need it!

Thanks Disco1BFG, when you line it all up like this, the transport option makes more sense.
 
Obviously, I agree with Disco1BFG. It does seem a waste to potentially damage it even further and beyond economic repair. Even if you have enough money in your pocket to buy a new gearbox, it's a shame to potentially scrap it. IMO
 
You have driven an hour with no more problems, go for it.
If it changes while driving then stop.
Recon gearbox when you get home.
You could save the price of another gearbox depending on transport costs.
 
Hey Guys! Just arrived home in Stockholm, safe and sound. Drove in 4th gear in 70km/h, solid as a rock. A little noise uphill. Just spoke to a friend of a friend who, it turns out has some kind of Landy cemetary (most Discos) and can hook me up with a used R380 for around 250 quid. So I might go for that!

And thank you for all your help!!!
 
Hey Guys! Just arrived home in Stockholm, safe and sound. Drove in 4th gear in 70km/h, solid as a rock. A little noise uphill. Just spoke to a friend of a friend who, it turns out has some kind of Landy cemetary (most Discos) and can hook me up with a used R380 for around 250 quid. So I might go for that!

And thank you for all your help!!!
youd need to strip box to swap selector shaft and box top to get it to fit
 
youd need to strip box to swap selector shaft and box top to get it to fit
Ok, so it's best if he can supply me with a gearbox from a defender then.
Still I feel like I want to give my box a try. I have spoke to a workshop garage close to me with experience of land rovers. They can help me with the project.
I've looked at Paddocks bearing kit, and I guess i need new gaskets. What else? I also saw that Ashcroft has a master rebuild kit.
I recon it's hard to know exactly what i need before we open it up and look at the damage.
 
Hey Guys! Just arrived home in Stockholm, safe and sound. Drove in 4th gear in 70km/h, solid as a rock. A little noise uphill. Just spoke to a friend of a friend who, it turns out has some kind of Landy cemetary (most Discos) and can hook me up with a used R380 for around 250 quid. So I might go for that!

And thank you for all your help!!!
I'm glad you're home safely.

Did you check the oil level in the gearbox before you set off back?
 
Ok, so it's best if he can supply me with a gearbox from a defender then.
Still I feel like I want to give my box a try. I have spoke to a workshop garage close to me with experience of land rovers. They can help me with the project.
I've looked at Paddocks bearing kit, and I guess i need new gaskets. What else? I also saw that Ashcroft has a master rebuild kit.
I recon it's hard to know exactly what i need before we open it up and look at the damage.
you dont need any gaskets for an r380,swapping selector shaft or using parts from both your box and disco to make one decent box isnt that difficult,both are the same box and parts except selector shaft yoke and top, ensure you use timken bearings for the main 5 taper roller bearings not only does quality matter but dimensions of bearings,the rear 2 roller bearings just of a decent make,needle rollers gears run on rarely need to be changed ,you generally need to, and is wise to fit 4x ftc3584 and 2x ftc5018
 
you dont need any gaskets for an r380,swapping selector shaft or using parts from both your box and disco to make one decent box isnt that difficult,both are the same box and parts except selector shaft yoke and top, ensure you use timken bearings for the main 5 taper roller bearings not only does quality matter but dimensions of bearings,the rear 2 roller bearings just of a decent make,needle rollers gears run on rarely need to be changed ,you generally need to, and is wise to fit 4x ftc3584 and 2x ftc5018
Superb, thank you! The gaskets and bearing thought was if I would decide to repair my current box. I've noticed oil leaks, probably coming from the engine-bellhousing mount so i though it would be a good idea to seal it up. But maybe there are no gaskets there, only some kind of sealant?
 
r380 doesnt use gasket apart from the top and those can be rtv sillicone sealant or similar too, bell housing to engine isnt usually sealed though can be ,rear main oil seal probably needs replacing luf100430, vac pump,rocker box top etc checking for leaks running down and back, ftc5303 and ftc2383 are the seals needed for the box
 
Got my transfer box back from Torver in the lakes to London a few years ago with the middle bearing on the 2nd shaft completely destroyed after all the oil came out on the way up. I removed all the bits of mettel, filled it up and strayed at 50mph all the way back. It let got two days later, and I put a disco box in.
 
<snippity snip> ... ensure you use timken bearings

+1 - IMHO, do not use anything but timken, any so called cost saving will bite you on the bum

Thanks! Yes I checked the oil, level was ok but it's pitch black. Overheating??

either that or lack of routine maintenance, or the wrong oil..... at least if you're rebuilding it, you will know it has the right oil from the start....
 
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