Defender_how to shift gears

Hi,

Greetings from Paris and wish you a pleasant 2020 year !

Would like to have your help please,

I'm a Land Lover Defender fan, and I bought a TD5 as a second car (year 2003 with 220 000 km).

My question concerns gear shifting with the R380 gearbox suffix "L" : If I up-shift quickly with high RPM from 1st to 2d, or 2d to 3d, I feel a crunch in my hand (not so loud to hear it in the vehicle, I can just feel it with my hand).

If I leave the RPM normal, and leave a 1/2 second pause on Neutral between these gears, all is fine.

No crunch when downshifting. The gearbox runs with new MTF94 oil.

Is this a normal behavior for a R380 ? Are we supposed to shift slowly with these gearboxes, even if I order a rebuilt one?
Many thanks for your help and feedback !

Julien

Welcome to LandyZone

baulk rings are a weak point and when new need careful engaging whilst they run in,but yours are probably worn so wont like quick changes

They are not slick shift box's just take your time.

Yes, fast and furious doesn't belong in tratter land.
Slow and happy is best.
Welcome to the fold

I am just going to echo what everyone above has said the half second taking your time between changes is what the vehicle needs, they are not a modern quick change box. That is normal and how they should be driven, and also gives you the time needed to double de-clutch on the way down once they are properly worn!

Julien, as per the guys notes above the gear change is a traditional slow change + it work checking your linkage adjustment at the base of the gear lever ball including the retainer cap and spring. Make sure all is clean, greased and set up correctly...it does make a difference on the R380 and LT77 'boxes.

As the others have said, dont rush the gear changes and the box will thank you for it.
Once the cold weather sets in, I find I have to dog leg the change from first to second. So 1st neutral 2nd. That maybe similar to double clutching. HTH

Same here, momentary pause between gears makes all the difference

Hi
Thank you All for your feedback and replies !

In addition of slow shifting, what is the best oil to avoid this « grinding » feeling ? ATF or MTF94 ?
I live in south of France, so not so cold over here.

Very many Thanks !
Julien