R380 box. Looking a for lower 1st.

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TD5130

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Bristol
As above I realise gearbox conversions are not straight forward. My R380 is coming to the end of its life due to a lot of heavy towing. 5th gear is getting excessively noisy when under load.

I want to achieve a lower 1st and possible 2nd gear to make stop start driving in hilly areas a little easier.

For a while I have been considering the 6 speed box conversion kit as offered by M&D, but it would work out very expensive. It would need the conversion kit, 6 SPD box, exhaust, replacement transfer box with the correct ratio, prop shafts and probably other things which I haven't foreseen. And time spent off the road.

From research on the net I understand the R380 box as fitted to some models of LDV vans would offer the ratios I want but I don't know if this box can be altered to suit the defender. The problems as I see it is would it accept a transfer box, and is it built as strong as the defender R380.

The easy alternative is replacing the box like for like and keep changing in and out of low box of course.

Any tips and advice gratefully received.
 
Have you had the engine tuned for more torque/pulling power?
Might make the difference that you are looking for. The gearbox should take it.
 
Hi yes thanks for that it's had a stage 1 tune up producing approx 160 bhp. It pulls very well on the motorways, similar to a land cruiser Amazon I once hired.

The tuning guy told me I could go for a variable vane turbo and other associated upgrades but he couldn't guarantee me enough low down torque.

As the gearbox already needs the money spending on it I'm exploring the options before I part with the cash.
 
I should add that I have asked Ashcroft's but they don't do this. The answer was a bit teccy so I didn't understand exactly but the bottom line is they don't do it.
 
Try Syncro Gearboxes, Shabs may be able to help you out. Though I believe there is a 12 week waiting list

Failing that I'd go for a hybrid turbo + big Intercooler and adjusted map, should give you the low down grunt youre looking for.
 
Blimey don't know what you are pulling my r380 box seemed so low I used to miss out 1st unless I was on a steep slope.
I changed to a discovery transfer box last year to get the benefit of the different ratios.
But I don't tow much.
 
bankz5152 said:
Try Syncro Gearboxes, Shabs may be able to help you out. Though I believe there is a 12 week waiting list

Failing that I'd go for a hybrid turbo + big Intercooler and adjusted map, should give you the low down grunt youre looking for.
Click to expand...
Great thanks for that I'll look them up.
 
What transfer box are you using?
Mine is an LT box with 1.44 transfer
Will happily cruise at 50 in 4th and still pull 5th tops out 70(not towing)
Running 750 tyres.
This used to tow a 510xl trailer. With
2 horses & a 4 wheel carriage. Never used low box to start.
Also moves hay trailers(12 round bales not on road)
Ldv boxes are the LT not r380. Should be able to change the internal gears though. Think 1st & 5th are different to Landrover.
Good luck
 
Ahhh thats a fair point. Ascroft and Syncro both do lower ratio TX boxes, however you'd loose top end spend. May be limited to 50mph.

Just remembered I believe there is also an "underdrive"
 
I built mine just for towing & recovery work. (Wife used it for dam horses) So would not fit a 1.22 from a disco. I do have a 200tdi disco in my LR110 not tweeked.
Car trailer loaded with new Landrover going up hills round Cornwall & Wales. sat at 50mph and only use 4&5th on motorways. So I never have worried about top speed.
 
Thanks for the response I tow construction plant and the trailer rarely weighs much under 3.5t. Add people, onboard diesel bowser, tools,materials and equipment in the vehicle. Its not overloaded but definitely well loaded. Some of the hills round the Stroud valleys in particular can be challenging.

Its got the standard defender transfer box as far as I know, but I don't think standing starts are the TD5s strong suit.

I will try syncro gearboxes thanks for the tip.
 
Minchinhampton,Stroud/ lypiatt
With 520xl horse trailer. This had 5 ponies & weighs in 3.5t. Always made it:) probably over weight after putting the saddles etc in. :(

I would look at down gearing
 
If you can check the output shaft in gear box is ok why not just get hold of a 1.4 transfer. These will swap over. Easier/cheaper/quicker to change than a new gearbox.

Is this your work horse or daily drive?
 
TD5130 said:
As above I realise gearbox conversions are not straight forward. My R380 is coming to the end of its life due to a lot of heavy towing. 5th gear is getting excessively noisy when under load.

I want to achieve a lower 1st and possible 2nd gear to make stop start driving in hilly areas a little easier.

For a while I have been considering the 6 speed box conversion kit as offered by M&D, but it would work out very expensive. It would need the conversion kit, 6 SPD box, exhaust, replacement transfer box with the correct ratio, prop shafts and probably other things which I haven't foreseen. And time spent off the road.

From research on the net I understand the R380 box as fitted to some models of LDV vans would offer the ratios I want but I don't know if this box can be altered to suit the defender. The problems as I see it is would it accept a transfer box, and is it built as strong as the defender R380.

The easy alternative is replacing the box like for like and keep changing in and out of low box of course.

Any tips and advice gratefully received.
Click to expand...
it could be converted ,in that youd use the layshaft and 1st and second gear in a std landy r380, ldv boxes have a different mainshaft and rear casing, an r380 of whatever use is as robust as any other suffix dependent
 
Thanks for all your replies. Talking to some gearbox specialists at the moment. I'll update when I get somewhere with this.
 
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