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LT77 Failure - what would YOU do?
1: Replace like-for-like
30%
 30%  [3]
2:Replace LT77 with R380 and long bell-housing (engine requires relocating forwards)
20%
 20%  [2]
3: Replace LT77 with R380 and short bell-housing (no engine move required)
40%
 40%  [4]
4: Sell the Defender as a non-runner and save myself the hassle?
10%
 10%  [1]
Total Votes: 10

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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
LT77 Failure
Well, I selected reverse and the gearbox said "No". Big Cry
I feel a John Cleese moment coming soon where I start hitting the Landy with a branch. Give it a damn good thrashing!
Second Gear wasn't too sharp anyway, sometimes it was there, sometimes not.

So, decisions, decisions... it used to be a 200tdi but one of the many (12) previous owners fitted a 300tdi engine but kept the same old LT77 Gearbox (Suffix D).
Now, I think the engine is crammed too far back in the engine bay and too close to the bulkhead. Loads of room in front of the engine though...
Money is available to sort it out, obviously within reasonable limits.

So, I have 3 choices, well, 4 I suppose;

Might as well do a Poll....

Looking forward to comments, thanks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #405304 7th Mar 2015 3:24pm
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gilarion



Member Since: 05 Dec 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 5084

Wales 2007 Defender 90 Other CSW Trident Green
1 is your easiest option, but then again the R380 is a good gear box! For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at..

http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1
Post #405307 7th Mar 2015 3:31pm
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
Yep, Option 1 looks more than likely.
Next question is, do I go for an eBay lottery one or recon?

Like you say, the R380 is nice, so maybe I should just replace LT77 with "good" secondhand unit for now and then plan a proper R380 and engine move later in the year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #405394 7th Mar 2015 8:51pm
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Fatboy Slim



Member Since: 04 Feb 2008
Location: Bridgend
Posts: 1006

Wales 
Pull the LT77 apart and replace a few bits! Easy peasy. Worst bit is pulling the collar off the output shaft
Post #405444 7th Mar 2015 10:30pm
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
A few things have stopped me going down the repair route - although you make it sound easy!

Lack of suitable workshop space. I don't think Mrs would like a gearbox in the kitchen.
Also, I would probably require some decent tools, pullers, circlip pliers etc, which I do not have.

In short, replacement gearbox would be my best option (1 - 3) just now. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #405457 7th Mar 2015 10:51pm
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I Like Old Skool



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 764

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green
IMO I don't understand why the 200tdi was binned for a 300. Nowt' wrong with the 200. I would replace the LT77 with a recon Ashcroft unit and jobs a good-un'.
Post #405469 7th Mar 2015 11:17pm
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Fatboy Slim



Member Since: 04 Feb 2008
Location: Bridgend
Posts: 1006

Wales 
Same here. Nothing wrong with the 200, my fave LR engine second only to the Td5. Never been a fan of the 300 never had a good one sadly.

The ashcroft route would be the best for a quick turnaround. Never seen a bad LT77 come from them. I just prefer to build my own boxes as I hate paying anyone to do something I can do myself Laughing
Post #405560 8th Mar 2015 11:43am
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shaggydog



Member Since: 12 Aug 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 3346

United Kingdom 1991 Defender 110 200 Tdi USW Arles Blue
Replace like for Like - Saves a lot of hassle and ashcrofts will give you a core deposit return for your old one. Running Restoration Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/post323197.html#323197

Self confessed mileage hunter Very Happy
Post #405728 8th Mar 2015 8:33pm
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
Update:
Old LT77 Gearbox is so old that Ashcroft didn't want to take it as part-ex - its pre-200tdi.....!!!
No worries, I'll make a coffee table out of it Rolling with laughter

Bit the bullet and ordered up a recon R380 plus standard Bellhousing, clutch kit, HD Fork etc from Ashcroft.

Engine needs moved forwards (back to where it used to be, I guess) but will give much improved access to the turbo, starter motor and wiring. Thumbs Up

Can't wait to get all this sorted out TBH. Option 2 wins. Smile --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #406624 11th Mar 2015 5:08pm
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I Like Old Skool



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 764

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green
LRmud wrote:
Old LT77 Gearbox is so old that Ashcroft didn't want to take it as part-ex - its pre-200tdi.....!!!
Too old? What happens if you want a recon gearbox for your old 2.5D 90?

If I were going the route you have chosen then personally I would keep the engine where it is (in the 200Tdi position) and talk to Ashcroft about the availability of a short bellhousing to fit the R380. I know Landrover did this option officially for the Discovery as a mate of mine had the R380 retrofitted to his 200Tdi Disco.

Having the engine further back places the weight more centrally in the vehicle and by moving it forward you are going to have to alter the exhaust and will lose all that lovely space between the engine and radiator that is soooooo useful when doing the timing belt. Not looking forward to doing mine on the 300Tdi when I have only done 200's before.
Post #406631 11th Mar 2015 5:47pm
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
I hear what you're saying and I seriously thought about the short bell housing but, the issue of poor access to the turbo inlet and the starter motor have already caused me some hassle.

Saying that, I just know that as soon as I get this engine move done, the cam belt will need changing! Laughing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #406682 11th Mar 2015 8:38pm
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shaggydog



Member Since: 12 Aug 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 3346

United Kingdom 1991 Defender 110 200 Tdi USW Arles Blue
Out of interest why didn't you go for the short bell housing R380?

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/ma...-r380.html

Strange to hear the LT77 as pre 200Tdi o.o how did they know? Was it the serial number? Running Restoration Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/post323197.html#323197

Self confessed mileage hunter Very Happy
Post #406684 11th Mar 2015 8:39pm
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Fatboy Slim



Member Since: 04 Feb 2008
Location: Bridgend
Posts: 1006

Wales 
Suffix on the serial number will give the original fitment and age Thumbs Up
Post #406688 11th Mar 2015 8:42pm
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piecost76



Member Since: 29 Sep 2010
Location: Nr Sevenoaks, Kent
Posts: 177

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
Fully recon LT77 boxes at Withams

http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle/,1...earbox.htm

And they are auctioning 2 of them too

http://whitelabel.globalauctionplatform.co...enturl=wca Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

2015 110 XS UW sadly stolen 21/11/2017
Post #407017 12th Mar 2015 7:48pm
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
Quick update:
Got gearbox, clutch, input gear and bellhousing all ready to go - shiny bits. Thanks to Dave Ashcroft.

Problem: Can't get a local garage to give me any idea on cost of work - not even ball park OR a time frame.
I guess there are easier ways for them to earn money!

So, now starting to look at doing the work myself, on the driveway.

Plus points;
I save money on garage bills.
I get to buy some extra tools, engine hoist, new MIG Welder, etc..

Downside:
Expect the job to be done just before the next snow appears.
Possibly f@#k it up and have to do it twice!

Bl@@dy Land Rover! Big Cry --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #410327 23rd Mar 2015 9:52pm
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