Transfer Case or Axle Regear - which is better?

[monmendoza]

I have a 1997 LR Discovery I with a 300TDI engine with 4 speed automatic transmission. As of now it is
basically stock, except for the 40mm OME suspension lift.

I'm planning to modify it for offroad use. Place 32" tires, 2" body lift,
ARB front and rear lockers and metal bumpers with winch.

I am planning to do a regear as I believe it will lose power with
bigger tires. I have no experience with LR and Im hoping you
guys can share with me your experience.

Which would you recommend? a change of Ring and Pinion to
either 4.2 or 4.7 or changing the low transfer case gears to
even something lower. Your opinions would be highly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.

[hillbilliywheelchair]

4.2 your only going 32 you'll have no hiway speed remember stock is 3.55
then theirs the strength

my self i would just go for a defender transfer case as they have 32's as standard
and thats 4inches of lift for small tyres you'll only need 2 inches total a set of flares and a gard trim even with the big lift you'll still need to do a camel cut

ps have you looked on aulro they have all the info you need

[monmendoza]

If I do an axle R&P regear what else do you normally need
aside from the Ring and Pinion? Im refering to shims, bearings
seals, orings etc..

Is there company that you can recommend that sells
internationally and preferably accept paypal?

Again many thanks in advance.

[Bush65]

Ashcroft in the UK sell good 4.11: R&P, are very good to deal with and their gears are strong and worthwhile with larger tyres. http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk

4.7:1 R&P are very weak.

I believe Great Basin Rovers have relatively new 4.14:1 R&P that are a stronger alternative to 4.11:1 (because of larger teeth). I don't know how the prices compare and haven't had dealings with them. http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/

Normally you would fit new bearings, seals and will probably need shim kits to set the pinions up properly.

[Slunnie]

4.11 (I don't think there is a 4.2) correct for about 33's

If you plan on always running big tyres, then the 4.11 diffs (not 4.1!). This will correct low range and high range.

If you plan on running big tyres off road and normal tyres onroad then I'd look to get crawler gears into the transfer case.

[red90]

If it were me...I would do the low range gear set. I run on 34s with the same high range gearing as you with my 200TDI and find it perfect.

[monmendoza]

Hello Red90,

If I pursue that option of a transfer case regear, where can I buy the gears, could you recommend an international supplier who shipps worldwide. Tia

[Micka]

M.R. Automotive in Brisbane, Australia.

There was a group buy a while ago...

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/ftopic161 ... light=maxi

Out of interest...how much highway style driving can you really do in Manila? If its anything like Cebu, then compared to here in Australia, you do none at all. I'd be going with the transfer gears to help cope with peak hour traffic and dodging the Bayots.

[def90]

is most of your wheeling in muddy stuff? (haven't wheeled over y'all way) if so i would've thought you wouldn't want too much reduction in low range, a tad maybe to get a little more up n go, but def. not the 49% box

[monmendoza]

Hi Micka,

Manila is like Cebu. There is really no highway driving to speak
of as roads are congested most of the time except late at
night, but during the daytime, you would be lucky to travel
at 100kph for more than 30 seconds.

And yes, most of the wheeling I do is over rough terrain and
mud so I guess I would need a little spin. It seems that the
best route for me would be R&P regear.
Besides, It would be too messy to send my tc to australia
for a transfer case regear. Freight and custom charges
will make the cost prohibitive.

I was told that the 4.7 R&P of the series III would fit in a disco.
Is this true? Any comment on this R&P from the series III?
Again many thanks.

[Slunnie]

I think that you might find them to be too weak. The 4.11's and 4.14's will be relatively strong, the 4.1's and 4.7s I would sidestep and look for other options.

You also don't need to send the entire transfer case to do low range gears.