R380 box

Afternoon all,

Quick easy question on the R380 box. The filler plug is a torx fitting affair, What thread size is it and would it be possible to swap it for the 1/2" threaded one found fitted to everywhere else on a LR!?!

Im in the middle of compete oil changes and would like to change this (if i can) while i am at it.

why the switch to a torx bolt anyway?

G

That sounds like its not original to me... So probably!

The Torx is original... only reasons I can think of to switch to a Torx are it's more difficult to mess up the head of a torx than the old stylee hex ended thing or to put people off servicing their car themselves.

Of course, those people with enough nouse to service the car themselves would just buy the appropriate torx bit to do the job. I suppose it's just possible that in 1994/5 when the gearbox was introduced it was harder to get hold of a torx bit... but it can't have been that much more.

IIRC the hex bolt that fits the LT77 has a tapered thread - hence the need to be a bit careful about overtightening them or putting anything in there that isn't a 'proper' level/filler plug - might very well be the same for the R380 torx thing.

I'm checking my gearbox oil tomorrow late afternoon/early evening if the weather is ok - want me to take some measurements of the LT77 filler plug for you bloke?

That would be grand a photo too? I will get mine out tomorrow night and do the same. I know it sounds pedantic, but it would be nice to know that all you ever need for drain/filler plugs is a 1/2drive ratchet esp if the **** hits the fan in Morocco!

actually, im not sure if i have that torx bit will check the tool box tonight and see.

G

Right, i knows its here somewhere but cant be bothered to search. what oil do i use in this box? haynes says ATF to M2C33.

further down is says dexron 2 for the PAS, so i didnt think dex2 was ok for the box (otherwise they would have said) do i need to go out and buy different fluid?

Cheers!

G

First spec for the R380 with a 300 Tdi was Dexron III... when they brought out the TD5 (IIRC) they increased the spec to MTF94 (good luck finding that btw) and changed the spec for the 300 Tdi at that time.

Dexron III was originally spec'd for it so should be fine - although to be safe the Ford M2C33 standard stuff should be the same spec as the MTF94 that's all but impossible to find.

Rain has stopped... so I'm off to check me gearbox oils I'll drop you a pm later with measurements and a pic.

Cheers,

yer, just looked on ashcroft TM and they say MTF94. I was at my indi earlier and saw some LR badged MTF94 on the shelf, so it looks like i will have to go back tomorrow probably. aww well, got the rad and hoses to replace 1st!

G