Transfer box advice, 1.2 or 1.4??

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
200tdi 90 with 32 inch tyres and 1.2 tfer box. wow total flat as a week old motorway turd power wise, would not pull away on a really steep hill in first with some weight in the back and lost speed on long hills, basically hard work to drive the thing, back to std 1.4 box and its lovely, well its still a crapbox but its now driveable!
 
My is automatic. the ZF I observe are more affected by bigger tires and other modifications that increase demand on transmission.

I cannot say that I had a supercar before, but now it is very slow in acceleration.
And the max. speed I am usually drive is 100kph.

With current setup, 1.211 in transfer box, 3.54 in axles and 33.2 tires, driving on highway is very often done in 3rd gear. It’s the same situation as you explained not enough power for 4th and too much rpm for 3rd.

I guess that changing transfer ratio from 1.211 to 1.410, will help me to drive more in 4th on highway.
 
I went from 1.4 to 1.2 in my 90 (300tdi) and I loved it. I could easily pull away in 2nd, accelerate well and sit at 70 all day. I don’t tow or carry much weigh. I can report NO downsides from my experience.
The tx box shat itself though so I’m now back with the 1.4. Ratios in town don’t seem right and I’m back to wearing ear plugs on the motorway at 65mph.:( Bad times until I sort out the 1.2.....
 
by the way, when driving uphill for longer periods, let's say when I go up in mountains, my automatic transmissions overheats. (the warning light comes on).
I suppose that changing transfer ratio from 1.211 to 1.410 will help to avoid the overheat so often.
 
by the way, when driving uphill for longer periods, let's say when I go up in mountains, my automatic transmissions overheats. (the warning light comes on).
I suppose that changing transfer ratio from 1.211 to 1.410 will help to avoid the overheat so often.


Yes as it will be in top gear
by the way, when driving uphill for longer periods, let's say when I go up in mountains, my automatic transmissions overheats. (the warning light comes on).
I suppose that changing transfer ratio from 1.211 to 1.410 will help to avoid the overheat so often.


I would say yes as the car might be in a gear its happier with.
A bigger remote oil cooler might be of help as well
 
Last edited:
I think overall theres lots of factors to consider,

If you want the 1.2 for speed you bought the wrong car
If you want the 1.2 to lower the rpms you have still bought the wrong car

The strength and health of your engine is a major factor as there cant be many low mileage strong 200/300 left on their original internals, not forgetting a shaggged 200/300 will still start with the flick of the key, so thats not an indicator of how good it is.

The type of journeys you do ie local or fast A road/motorway work, again wrong car.

What you use the car for, loaded/towing/posing/off roading

The upshot is not all so called upgrades are actually an upgrade, but those that have done it swear its great. of course the fact they have spent time/money and effort plays no part in their opinion:D
 
The upshot is not all so called upgrades are actually an upgrade, but those that have done it swear its great. of course the fact they have spent time/money and effort plays no part in their opinion:D

That’s correct. Well, in my case it is! The fact that I spent a small amount of money and a day of my time and effort pays absolutely no part whatsoever in my opinion of how much I liked my upgrade to 1.2:D!
In my use, I can’t think of a single negative (apart from the fact it expired and I had to revert back to the 1.4:D)
It’s very much horses for courses though and the only way to find out if it suits you is to try it!
Lynall is right about the fact that if you are doing it for more speed, you are in the wrong vehicle! I haven’t been in a single 90 that has been pleasant to be in at and over 70mph.
 
That’s correct. Well, in my case it is! The fact that I spent a small amount of money and a day of my time and effort pays absolutely no part whatsoever in my opinion of how much I liked my upgrade to 1.2:D!
In my use, I can’t think of a single negative (apart from the fact it expired and I had to revert back to the 1.4:D)
It’s very much horses for courses though and the only way to find out if it suits you is to try it!
Lynall is right about the fact that if you are doing it for more speed, you are in the wrong vehicle! I haven’t been in a single 90 that has been pleasant to be in at and over 70mph.


Why did the lt230 expire? Ive always thought they were one of the toughest bits on the car.

The other good thing about the 1.4 tfer boxes is they are worth about 50p.
 
I’m not sure why it’s died as I haven’t had time to do an autopsy. The oil was very metallic looking though when I drained it:(
It got me to Wales and back, though. Even though it sounded dreadful and vibrated in a most unnerving fashion between 50 and 65. It felt as though I was gently pulsing the brake pedal.
 
Back
Top