RR Autos - what year is what?

[DionM]

I'm a little confused ...

Looking for an older Auto RR.

All the sites I look at say that Auto RRs were released by the factory in 1982. Redbook.com.au says Auto RRs were available in 1980 and 81 in Aust.

I take it these were conversions performed by the local LR mob? What auto box would it be? How do I know the RR I am looking at is a factory auto vs a converted auto?

[Aquarangie]

The old 2 door Rangies came out with either a C4 auto or a Borg-Warner 35. You can diffreniate between the 2 as the auto shift is closer to the driver in the BW and the transfer case leaver is further back (they moved the whole transfer case back about 6 inches) , whereas the C4 is central and the transfer leaver is in the same spot as the 4 speed manual.

These were converted to Rangies by either by Leyland or by the specalist (Ritters in Vic. did the C4 conversion for years) until late 1983 when the 727 Chrysler torque-flyte was introduced, with the seperate LT230 transfer case. The old 4 speed manual, which was a one peice unit where both the early autos were adapted either by cutting the main box off and adapting it this way (as the C4) or the bellhousing was removed, and a custom shaft passes through the void in the box on the BW (where the 4 speed manual was) and adapted that way.

The ZF was inttroduced in Aus. in Jan 86 with the EFI 3.5 unleaded fuel V8 as well. Stil the best auto of the bunch and worth the extra few dollars to buy one, unless you pick up the old 3 speeds for a bargain price of course!!

I would still pick the BW or C4 over the torque-flite. There's plentiful supply of these and cheap to have rebuilt, although marginally better on-road compared to the Torque-Flite. But in all fairness, the TF was designed for big-block V8's not pissy little Rover jobs!!

Hope this clears this up a bit.

Regards,

Trav

[DionM]

Thanks Trav - much appreciated.

I had seen references to the BW35 but wasn't sure where it fitted in.

[N*A*M]

great info trav

this should be a sticky

[RUFF]

I would still pick the BW or C4 over the torque-flite. There's plentiful supply of these and cheap to have rebuilt, although marginally better on-road compared to the Torque-Flite. But in all fairness, the TF was designed for big-block V8's not pissy little Rover jobs!!

If you plan on using this offroad i would not recomend the BW35 they are only just marginal when fitted to a stock 6cyl falcon. They are very bad for loosing reverse alltogether. Yes they are cheap and if you break on in a rangie you can just buy a stock falcon one to fix the rover as there are no mods at all to the BW35.

The C4 is a stronger box but given a hard time the planitary gears in the auto will fail. This can be improved but at a fairly high cost.

The 727 as stated was designed for a Big Block and is a far more stronger auto than either of the other 3spd options.Although it is also a little heavier.

If i were looking for an Auto range rover i would only buy one fitted with either the 3spd 727 or the 4spd ZF auto.

[landy_man]

The 727 as stated was designed for a Big Block and is a far more stronger auto than either of the other 3spd options.Although it is also a little heavier.

i reckon the 727 was the strongest auto EVER put in a rangie.....there are also heaps of places that can do some cool things to 727's .....like manual conversions.....clutch for push start....not to mention all the super HD gear the drag guys have for them...

[Aquarangie]

I know the BW35 is a bit on the weak side, but there are plenty of old 2 and 4 door Rangies getting around with them. Few blokes in the club (both landy and Rangie) run these and have done for years without dramas.

Even with the 4.4 P76 they seemed to cope well, but lots of off-road punishment there days are numberd like any auto. My ZF auto went at 255,00 hard kms by me and the original ownerr (my Rangie has only had 2 owners). It's like anything, if you intend to compete, strongest and durable are best, no question!!

It's always intersting to hear others opinions on the subject, we all form diffrent opinions. At the end of the day, what works for one doesn't worjk for others, but we can always point people in the right direction andmake there mioind up from there.

Regards,

Trav

[DionM]

Okay, well given my 2 door Rangie that I just acquired has the transfer lever right next to the edge of the driver's seat, I am guessing I have the BW unit in my Rangie. Been too hot lately in Brissy to hop underneath and have a good look, but I will be soon so will post some pix.

Are there any good tech references about this box around the place? I have the Haynes workshop manual for the Rangie but of course it has no info at all on this box.

I'm after basic maintenance info; like what type of oil, where the filler and drain plugs are, etc etc.

[Aquarangie]

Yes, this is the BW converted auto box. The drain plug should be on the side of the pan from memory, not too hard to find!!

The dipstick is on the drivers side, and this is where you fill the oil, like all autos. I'm not too sure where the othetr fillers are, if any do exist.

Good luck with it.

Trav

[DionM]

Yes, this is the BW converted auto box. The drain plug should be on the side of the pan from memory, not too hard to find!!

The dipstick is on the drivers side, and this is where you fill the oil, like all autos. I'm not too sure where the othetr fillers are, if any do exist.

Good luck with it.

Trav

Thanks - much appreciated.