Probable Transfer Box issues

Just a wee thread to glean some solid advice on my suspicion that the VCU is seized on my Classic.

The vehicle in question is my fairly recently purchased '93 Beluga Black 4.2 LSE with 157k miles under its belt. In the last few years it's had the head gaskets done, a replacement secondhand autobox, but admittedly is in need of further love. I realised a childhood dream of owning one when I bought it

My first drive in the car had me thinking it was the o/s/f CV joint that was knackered due to a pronounced clicking, however the additional shuddering at low turning speeds points more to the transfer box. I'm sure it's dragging the rear wheel on tight turns.

I jacked up one front wheel tonight with the transfer box in 'N' & the wheel spun back a little & I can't turn it with a bar on one of the wheels nuts.

Getting to the main point... Is it likely I can get away with just replacing the VCU, or is it better to get a recon transfer box from the likes of Ashcroft? Do the chains & oil pumps knacker up? Is any other damage likely to have occurred with it having been driven like this for 'I don't know how long', or would I know about it already?

So many questions!!!

Wheel will be very stiff to turn but should turn none the less...if it is locked up, your VCU is fecked!

Other damage could be done to the diffs if the VCU has been driven for extended periods.

As for what to replace, if you can afford and justify a recon TB and your in for the long haul on your Classic, it would make sense, but a replacement VCU would be a good compromise if funds are stretched.

Saint.V8 said:

Wheel will be very stiff to turn but should turn none the less...if it is locked up, your VCU is fecked!

Other damage could be done to the diffs if the VCU has been driven for extended periods.

As for what to replace, if you can afford and justify a recon TB and your in for the long haul on your Classic, it would make sense, but a replacement VCU would be a good compromise if funds are stretched.

Click to expand...

Nah it's locked!

In a straight line it drives perfectly with no funny noises, so hope diffs have survived the trauma! I've driven it about 60 miles since bought, but as for how long the former keeper drove it for like this I've no idea.

Ashcroft do a recon box for 525.00, is this the best place to source one from, from anyone's experience?

My other main cars are a Honda & an Audi & as they don't cost anything as they're so darn reliable, don't mind chucking a few pounds at the RR

ashcrofts are darn good!

ashcrofts are darn good!

fett said:

ashcrofts are darn good!

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Super Looks like I'll be crawling under my motor sometime soon then to check the numbers on the box for a match lol!

I know there's cheaper sellers out there, but don't want my fingers burned from trying to save a few pounds.

not difficult just to swap vc can be done with box in vrhicle

jamesmartin said:

not difficult just to swap vc can be done with box in vrhicle

Click to expand...

Well The VC is virtually half the price of the replacement box, but I thought it better to change the complete thing?

From the service history, the transfer box has never been touched so at 157,000 miles it must be about due for at least a chain? That said, my car hasn't had a hard life so maybe I'd be spending money unnecessarily??

This is all new to me, so any advice is very welcome :amen:

just check recon box comes with new output shaft and v/c + bearings ,chain etc if it does then fair enough

jamesmartin said:

just check recon box comes with new output shaft and v/c + bearings ,chain etc if it does then fair enough

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Yh it comes with all that... sod it, it's getting bought lol!

Just not gonna tell the other half how much it's costing

When I had my 4th RR Classis my VCU seized. I bought mine from Ashcroft, it's all there just a matter of pulling the old transfer box off and fitting the new one add oil and your back up and running.

I did have to send my knackered unit back to them.

Alan

acc said:

When I had my 4th RR Classis my VCU seized. I bought mine from Ashcroft, it's all there just a matter of pulling the old transfer box off and fitting the new one add oil and your back up and running.

I did have to send my knackered unit back to them.

Alan

Click to expand...

With VAT & carriage it comes to £696 - ouch!

The other option is to replace just the VCU & see how that fairs, however that'll still amount to just shy of £400 from Ashcroft & with no real knowledge of the condition of the rest of the box.

My thinking is just to man up to paying the big bill

RR ownership comes with a price I'm beginning to realise lol!!

worth trying theses perhaps
http://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=L&a...arts.co.uk/search/for/RTC6044/page/1/order/3/

if its oem it cant be bad

fett said:

if its oem it cant be bad

Click to expand...

Yeah I'm maybe thinking that might be the way forward.

Possible getting hold of another transfer box too, handy as a spare & VC might be usable too.

Meantime I've removed the front prop so means I can use the car again with no clicking or diff wind up! Wanna try & get this sorted in the next few weeks so I've got 4WD for winter!!

other option I suppose is to fit a a used vcu if you getting one anyway and just see how it goes? it may well be nearly as worn as your other one but I had a 3.9 rrc which everything was worn out on really but the vcu lasted the 2 years I had it

In the end I bought a new VCU from Ashcroft, fitted it & all is well now

I can now go round tight roundabouts!!