Which gearbox?

[walker]

I have been driving a Rangie with the LT95 4 speed for a while now. While it is a great strong box it is very agricultural and has such a long throw.

I am about to start another project, building up a RangeRover ute but with a full rebuild from the chassis up. On this one I want to take my time and try do do everything right without too much compromise. (Well as little as my wallet allows).

I just wanted to hear everyones recommendations for the box and T/C. I will be using the 4.6l motor I have in my current Rangie. It will be running 36" Trekkers and will get a real flogging.

At first I was going to go for a ZF auto but after hearing of a number of failures I am not so sure now, especially if I used an older model ZF on the 4.6.

Another thought was an auto from a big ford as I have heard these are generally bulletproof and will take the high torque. Anyone done this and are there adaptor kits available?

thanks for the help.

[Loanrangie]

I would be inclined to use a tf727 out of a 83-85 rangie as it will bolt up to the 4.6 and is already fitted to an lt230 there will be no adapters required, the 727's are strong and can be made stronger and fitted with a low stall converter and shift kit to improve shifts.

[walker]

Yeah, but the just seem to suck so much power. I know I have plenty of power to waste with the 4.6 but you can never have too much power! and with the 35's you are already lose a lot.

But you are right, it would be easier....but is it the best option

What is the most popular choice in the comp Rangies? I would imagine they would get flogged pretty hard so whatever they use would have to be strong.

[Loanrangie]

They dont suck that much power, my 3.5 with 727 pulls ok but a 4.6 will be much better. the beauty is its all bolt in no adapters or modified shafts needed. If you are going to use your 4.6 and the 4.11's you are bringing in and use a lt 230 it the gearing will be ok too.

[cloughy]

TF727 and LT230, Most morones winge that the TF727 saps power compared to a ZF equipped rangie but don't realise the difference in high range, TF 1.003;1 ZF 1.2;1 which makes the TF seem slower, most comp rangie run LT95, TF727 components are farking huge you just add some extra clutch packs a shift kit and your away

[walker]

I have had a few people telling me in the past couple of days that a ZF would be fine behind a 4.6? Anyone got any comments on that?

I might be getting a cheap ZF from an 88 Rangie but there is no point putting it in if it is onlt going to last a year.

[Loanrangie]

If the ZF has been serviced correctly and had fluid/ filter changed regularly it should be ok, how many k's has it done - if its up towards 250k i would pass on it.

[walker]

Yeah, it's probably getting up to that mark!

Whatever I get will go into the project car, not my current Rangie and I will have it fully reconditioned before installing.

Yeah, I know that will cost plenty!

[landy_man]

Adam, I have a ZF and LT230 for sale as well.. If you are going to be reconditioning them these would be good units for you..
PM if ur interested..

[walker]

No problems, if what I have planned doesn't happen then I will contact you. At the moment the one I am looking at comes with the complete car because I want the front half of a 4 door.