Santana gearbox as drop-in for SIII box?

After 12years I've just killed my sixth SIII g/box.
The verdict is.. the engine is just too torquee for the box.
(tyres, clutches and UJ's last for ever so it's not my driving)

I am looking for a drop-in replacement for the SIII box and have been
given a variety of bits of advice.

A) It would seem that the sensible option would be a SeriesII box
although some say it's weaker/others say it's stronger. Either way it
can't last less time than the current 16months. Curious for any new
opinions or just plain stated facts.

B) Another option is a one-ton box - rare but low gearing.

C) A third option is a Santana box.
This sound interesting since it looks SIII shaped and I've seen that it
has been matched to far more powerful engines than my Iveco 2.5Tdi Turbo
Daily engine.

RE: Santana
1. Are the box mounts in the same place?
2. Can a SIII diesel bellhousing be fitted straight on?
3. Will it take the SIII transfer box?

I don't mind a bit of drilling and metal bending but I'm not into
all-out chassis mods.

Cheers folks.. I'm job hunting at the moment and I'm sick of turning up
sweaty after cycling in.
--
Andy Richardson

Never criticize a man 'til you've walked a mile in his shoes.
After that, you can say what you like..
'cos you're a mile away and you've got his shoes.

> C) A third option is a Santana box.
> This sound interesting since it looks SIII shaped and I've seen that it
> has been matched to far more powerful engines than my Iveco 2.5Tdi Turbo
> Daily engine.
>
Santanas use the Iveco engine, so it should fit to the engine no problem.

SimonJ wrote:
> Santanas use the Iveco engine, so it should fit to the engine no problem.

Weird, it seems that the engine to gearbox side is the easy bit... I've
just been chatting to Dave Ashcroft (Ashcroft transmissions) and been
suggested R380 or LT77 with a LT230 transfer box. I'm just off to
measure up my chassis so he can check if the rest will fit.
(prop-shafts, mounts etc)


--
Andy Richardson

Never criticize a man 'til you've walked a mile in his shoes.
After that, you can say what you like..
'cos you're a mile away and you've got his shoes.