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       #Post#: 73925--------------------------------------------------
       Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: Mister Bob
       Date: September 9, 2013, 11:16 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Hello chaps - not been around here in a while (something to do
       with wasting my time on an 80s TVR I think?).
       Anyhow - as the thread title suggests, I'm interested in who's
       running an LT230 transfer box, with the original front axle, in
       permanent 4x4.
       The reason I ask, is that at some point next year, my beloved
       109, Leonard, will be getting an engine transplant.
       The years of him being laid up means that the clutch is a little
       marginal, the rear main seal is leaking, gearbox/engine mounts
       are suspect and the engine's a little rattly and has worn valve
       guides/seals (2.25 petrol).
       I had obtained a 2.5 petrol from an early 90 as a simple swap,
       however, a V8 plus an LT85 and an LT230 have come my way for
       free.
       I'm a huge fan of the old RV8, and seeing how I'd be rebuilding
       the 2.5 petrol anyway, I figure I may as well rebuild the V8 and
       put a stronger drive train in at the same time.
       Even with the 24 spline Salisbury I have, I wonder about the
       long-term longevity of a 2WD drivetrain behind a V8.
       I'm not even entertaining the notion of a mildly tuned V8 in
       front of the standard series box.
       So, I'm wondering how people have gotten on with running a
       standard LT230, with a driven front standard axle.
       I have heard conflicting reports - some say it's an absolute dog
       with the UJ's snatching and tugging all the time.
       Some say there's no discernible difference, and some say you
       feel a bit of kick back on full lock.
       I don't want to build a full-on hybrid, so retaining the
       original axles is essential to me.
       Any input gladly received :)
       #Post#: 73931--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: NoelC
       Date: September 9, 2013, 11:38 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       I don't have vast experience of permanent 4x4 on series axles
       but my 2a one ton had a V8 and LT95 fitted when I bought it. I
       did drive it around a little bit and noticed no ill effects, but
       that was an ENV front axle.
       One option available is going down the route of the TIC/Heystee
       disc brake conversion if you did find an issue, their kit allows
       for CV jointed halfshafts to be used. No doubt pricey, but at
       least there is an option other than a stage one or butchered
       boingy axle.
       Personally I wouldn't worry about the Salisbury (Dana) axle with
       a V8 in 2wd, plenty of the yank pickup trucks with monster V8s
       had transfer boxes the same as a series and don't eat axles. The
       LT85 is a pukka box though, I reckon the V8>LT85>LT230 is about
       as good as it gets if V8s are your thing, it'd be a really
       interesting motor when done.
       #Post#: 73935--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: Mister Bob
       Date: September 9, 2013, 12:16 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Cheers Noel.
       The Heystee conversion is interesting - especially as I can see
       me going down the road of a disc braked front axle.
       V8s - as you say, really are 'my thing'  :smilewide:
       I honestly think that Leonard, with a V8 and a toughened
       drive-train would be my ideal Landy.
       He's purely a toy so outright economy isn't important - I'll
       probably LPG it anyway.
       I do know someone who (back in the late 70s early 80s) put a
       3500s P6 V8 in a 6 cylinder 109 station wagon.
       He killed three gearboxes and rear axle half shafts!
       Now, although I have a VERY strong back axle with the 24 spline
       Salisbury, I know full well that I lack self-restraint at times.
       :wanker:
       I'm not the sort of person that could resist humiliating one of
       the local Corsa boys in the traffic light grand prix!
       Hence I know I want a bullet-proof drivetrain that, once fitted,
       should give no additional problems.
       If running permanent 4x4 with the original front axle works OK,
       then (with the sale of my overdrive, FWH etc.) this could
       effectively become a 'free' upgrade.
       It won't be happening until next year, but I'm keen to start
       planning things in advance :)  >Htlr<
       #Post#: 74081--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: mistericeman
       Date: September 10, 2013, 1:20 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Tracey (my other half) is rolling a 88 with a Lt77 and permanent
       4x4 behind a 200TDi ...standard front axle ...
       Been like that  AFAIK for over 5 years with no bother ...
       Only time you really notice anything is on full lock in a tarmac
       carpark in the dry ...Ratios of the LT seem to match the Tdi far
       better than the series box does .
       Nitmare of this parish had a test drive at LATP and seemed to
       think it was ok
       #Post#: 74087--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: Mister Bob
       Date: September 10, 2013, 1:53 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Thanks for that!
       I haven't actually done any research into this yet, but I 'have
       been told' that the Series transfer box is longer geared than
       the majority of the LT230 ratios.
       I'm currently running a Fairey overdrive with standard diffs,
       and am quite happy with the top end gearing. I'd hate to end up
       short geared - especially with a V8  drink(*&
       #Post#: 74097--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: mistericeman
       Date: September 10, 2013, 2:15 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Well from my experiences ...the LT suits the Tdi far better
       ...though how that compares the a V8 i couldn't say .
       #Post#: 74101--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: Mister Bob
       Date: September 10, 2013, 2:29 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Well, if it suits the Tdi much better, I'd be inclined to think
       that relates to taller gearing, seeing how a Tdi doesn't rev as
       hard and has a narrower power-band.
       Thanks for the info - it's all looking like it's going to be the
       way to go.  :thumbs:
       #Post#: 74103--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: mistericeman
       Date: September 10, 2013, 2:38 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       --- Quote from: Mister Bob link ---
       >
       > Well, if it suits the Tdi much better, I'd be inclined to
       think that relates to taller gearing, seeing how a Tdi doesn't
       rev as hard and has a narrower power-band.
       >
       > Thanks for the info - it's all looking like it's going to be
       the way to go.  :thumbs:
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       Whereabouts are you ???
       I'm sure that if you are localish (Manchester) OR attending one
       of the events etc I could organise a drive of the 88 to see what
       you think  :thumbs:
       #Post#: 74104--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: mr.scruff
       Date: September 10, 2013, 2:39 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       I love the LT85; a proper, noisy, long-throw gearbox and tough
       as old boots  8) It is quite a different beast to the LT77.
       From memory the LT85 is quite high geared in top anyway, more so
       than the LT77. I had a V8 1*0 with LT85, 1.2 ratio LT230
       transfer from a Di*co and the usual 3.54:1 diffs. It would do a
       ton (tweaked 3.9 EFI) but was very over geared in the lower
       ratios, to the extent that low range was needed with a trailer
       on for some pullaways! Looks a bit silly when you have a big
       burbling V8 up front.  A 1.4 ratio transfer would have been
       better.
       You will end up with a nice tool but it will be a lot of work
       especially if you want to keep the SIII front end. Keep us
       posted  :thumbs:
       Gear ratio calculator:
       www.mark-90.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gearratiocalc.xls
  HTML http://www.mark-90.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gearratiocalc.xls
       #Post#: 74112--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Who's running an LT230 and permanent 4x4?
   DIR By: Mister Bob
       Date: September 10, 2013, 3:07 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Mistericeman - that's awfully kind of you! I'm based
       Nottinghamshire way, but am often at various landy events. :)
       Mr Scruff - the LT85 and LT230 in question came out of our
       pre-Debender 90V8. The gearing was really, too tall for that on
       235/85s, hence we replaced it with a 'rocking horse poo' V8 R380
       and a shorter ratio LT230 (can't remember the ratio now).
       Dad has kindly offered to let me have the boxes for Leonard, so
       long as I don't sell him. Might sound stupid to some people, but
       the DNA of our family landys is quite special to us  :gay:
       As you say, it's a proper 'MAN SIZE' box. I remember there being
       a bit of a ratio gap between third and fourth, but I do remember
       5th being an outrageously useful cruising gear.
       Lots of measuring to do - especially as I'd like to keep the
       SIII front end without cutting the bulkhead - if at all
       possible.
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