LT 230 Transfer Info request

[ckolloff]

I'm a 'cruiser guy and a recent thread in that forum got me thinking about the LT230. I want to know everything you can tell me about the LT230 transfer...

What years it came in which vehicle,

Where to get a decent used one& what to to expect to pay,

Gear ratios,

Strength, anyone break one?

Part time conversions, cost,

Anything else I should know,

thanks guys,
Chris

[JSBriggs]

Domestically LT 230’s came in 87 & 88 Range rovers, and in 94-current Disco’s and Disco2’s, and all Defenders.

There are several suffixes that determine gear ratios, etc. Off had I don’t recall which letters had which ratios etc. As far as I know, the Low ratio is the same, and the High ratio is anywhere between 1.2 & 1.4. There is also a 1:1 High but that is somewhat pricey as it comes from overseas.

As far as Price, I replaced my chain driven Tcase in My 1990 RR with one. A direct bolt in for me but for the Tcase, shift linkage, and new front drive line it was under $500.

View other post for the 2wd conversion, as these Tcases are full time, (permanent 4wd is the official $20 marketing term)

As far as strength, I have never heard of one break, and I have seen several behind SB Chev’s. As for Beef, the gears are stouter than an Atlas.


-Jeff Briggs

[ckolloff]

Thanks for the years and pricing info.

I've heard that the gears are stout, its more the aluminum case i worry about. That has been a weakness in cruisers running lots of reduction B4 the transfer.

Any more info people? Come awn!

[Way]

Here is the little bit I know. Hope it helps. I am still learning. So if it is not on this page, I probably do not know.

The stock low is 3.321. Great Basin Rovers sells a 4 to 1 kit that is made by a company called maxidrive. Maxidrive makes a lot of rover stuff. I wouldn't go this route though, the gear is smaller (still bigger than an Atlas though). Timm Cooper has an overdrive/underdrive all in one bolt on unit in the works. Seeing how both go for 2k. It is a better deal and a stronger option. And you have a super gear for the highway.

Another company called East Coast rovers makes a unit currently and it goes for $2650. This gives a ratio of 8.933 to 1!!!! This is a good option for small axles as the ring gear gets weaker the lower you go. You can basically leave your stock (LR is 3.54 R&p) alone and still have the best of both worlds.

Most LT230 have a hi gear of 1.2200. You can also get 1.003,1.410, 1.667. There are a few years were the 1.22 is really a few .001 off either way. I like the 1.003 as you have a great spread between hi and low and you can gear the hell out of the axle.

Great Basin Rovers has some general info on their site. see link below.

Timm Coopers part time conversion is between $400 and $500. Lt230 have a going price for $750 ball park for ones in good shape that I have seen. Timm Cooper can source these for you as well. Timm says that a twin stick is possible, but there has not been a demand for them other than when I begged him to make one for me. He says if there are a lot of requests he may think about it. You will need some of the diff lock linkage and bracketry out of a Disco or D90 as the conversion utilizes these stock pieces.

The rover guys like this route because a lot of them already have the case and it is a bolt on conversion. I am not sure how it would fit in other vehicles. The case is very thick. If you are worried about case thickness (although you shouldn't be) go with a LT230 Q the q stands for quiet. Rover made the case thicker to dampen noise. These can be found on 95 1/2 discos and later.

I like this route because this guy also makes a 9' adapter to bolt this t-case up to a 700r4. the 700r4 has identical ratios as the autobox I have. Here are the ratios for my Transmission (ZF 4HP22 4 speed auto):Ratios 2.48, 1.48, 1.00, 0.73:1. Reverse: 2.09:1.


Timm Cooper does not have a web site (503-236-0101). He is currently located in Portland Oregan. He is moving to the south west US soon.
East Coast Rover
http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Underdrive.html
Ashcroft (
http://www.autoconv.com/ (Ashcroft go to "product range" and then select t-case)
Great Basin Rovers
http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/trnscsgear.html#info

[fcfred]

Thanks Way! Lots of good info

do you still have those rover beadlocks?
I'm trying to get my buddy ryan to buy em and have Timm pick them up while he's down there in MOAB

[evilfij]

Go down and read the threads on Part time LT230 and just scroll through and read anything that has to do with them on this board.

I think I explained it all fairly well.

You CAN crack a case if you really REALLY try by say dropping it on a rock from a few feet in the air. Never heard of a case failure except in that situation and I can think of one case failure. The case is thick and has some nice internal webbing.

400 used is about right. I would look for a disco I 96 and on for the best case (earlier ones were not crossdrilled so they have some spline wear but no real biggy except if it came out of a 5speed truck)

Ron

PS the gears are HUGE.