LT77 vs R380

[GURU]

G'day all,

Went to a gearbox specialist, a LR gearbox specialist infact, to look at my box, when he looked at my LT77 (didn't pull it part, I had taken the casing off already) he said it all looks good, but a rear layshaft bearing might have failed. He also said if he rebuilt it he would put a new set of beraings in it, new syhncro ring and it may possibly need a new 5th gear (depends on damage if any). he said I was lucky nothing else had stuffed up, it all looked good, he noted that I had obviously stopped driving it at the right time.

for $40 he will pull it right apart and see whats wrong and give me a quote, $550 + parts to reco it, he reckons about $1000 should fix it up nicely.

He also showed me the differance between the 2 box's The R380 has heaps bigger bearings on the layshaft (makes the LT77 ones look like toy's)

best I can get a R380 is $2000 reco, but is a R380 worth the extra $$? I want to use my RR for some off roading (not too hardcore, but alittle) and daily driver and also towing my project 90 around abit.

What is everyone's thoughts?

P.S Sorry to drag on about the gearbox problem, really appreciate everyone's help

[RANUKI]

It all comez down to what you want,need and afford. There is no question that the R380 is a stronger box (and nicer to shift) but if you are only going to use it for towing and a little off roading then you will find the lt77 does the job just fine. Not to mention that it'll be reco'd as apposed to s/hand.

The lower first gear will help with the towing as well..

bEN

[GURU]

G'day all,

I want a 5-speed, need one in the car, and can stretch to the $2000 if I have to, but prefer not to.

I was cleaning my gearbox up today, noticed afew little bits missing on the teeth of 2nd gear on the layshaft, not much but enough to make it useless. So more $$, looks like to rebuild my box a min of $1500, probably $2000.

I can get a reco R380 for $1950. low kms one's are cheaper again

but an LT77 low kms and tested is $1250 + PH from South Aus

[ISUZUROVER]

I know people who have bought low km R380's for as low as $800 and they work fine. You need to really shop around though.

[HSV Rangie]

You just have to find one, that was the problem I had none available, so shoved in the auto.

Good luck with the search.

Michael.

[Aquarangie]

Personally, I would spend the extra dosh and put the R380 in. You know you are getting a good 'box and have fixed another weak point in the Rangie driveline.

Just my thought on the matter.

Trav.

[GURU]

Think I will bite the bullet and get the reco R380.

Where do you find low Kms one's for $800? I really need a gearbox yesterday, so waiting around for one to "pop up" isn't really an option unfortunity

[Maggot4x4]

Found this on ebay, you may be interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... gory=30862

[ISUZUROVER]

Defender boxes are different from Disco/RR ones so no go.

To get an $800 box you have to be at the right place at the right time, and usually at a wreckers that doesn't see many LR's and doesn't know what they are worth.

[modman]

ben, just out of interest, what is the difference between a tdi disco and tdi defender r380 apart from the high range transfer gears.???
might have to replace mine one day
david

[GURU]

Okay, getting a R380 next Tuesday

It is fully rebuilt, they are even putting the defender selector shaft and selctor's and gearstick on it so it will fit in my existing gearlever hole (I have an early LT77 with long shift gear lever), they are also supplying me with a bellhousing to fit the R380 to the V8.

costing me $1950 (exchange for my crappy LT77) delivered to my door

[Aquarangie]

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

At least you will have a decent 5 speed, instaead of that Lt77 crap! Should see you through plenty of off-road missoins.

Regards,

Trav