series 3 trans swap into series 2

[franko]

Really can’t find much on the old interweb about swapping a synchrod series3 trans into my series2 truck with non synchrod trans.

Anyone want to school me on this. Is it a straight forward swap? What are the biggest challenges?
And don’t say why would you want to do that lol
(Double clutching gets old 😝)

[bsa_m21]

Simple. Unbolt the S2 box, bolt in the S3 box.

FYI - All series boxes are interchangeable, although you do need to swap out the bell housing and throwout assembly when using an S2 or 3 box on a Series 1.

[TimberPig]

In addition to the synchros on 1st and 2nd, the S3 box uses a completely different clutch release on the opposite side of the bell housing from a 2/2a.

The box is a bolt in, but you either need to swap the bell housing and clutch release from the 2a box onto the 3, or swap the whole 3 box with bell housing and release in, which means cutting the crossmember for clearance as well as pulling the throw out seat off the clutch fingers and replumbing the hydraulics to the S3 slave cylinder.

At the end, the synchros are still a weak link that will require you shift it nicely to avoid early failure.

[franko]

Thanks for the reply’s guys.. I guess there’s always this option as well https://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.u ... -kits.html
And try and find a R380, that way I have a 5 gear as well.
Might still be cheaper than a Roamerdrive 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Rob]

Here's a good link from Terri-Ann about series 2 vs series 3 transmissions http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/lan ... ission.htm

[franko]

Thanks for the link Rob, lots to consider for sure. Sounds like the S3 gear box is weaker than the S2. Still like the idea of a R380 gear box.. But again not an easy gear box to find.

[oldgravy]

Series transmissions are around, but I would hate to think how much a recon'ed R380 with the short bell housing would cost.

[red90]

...but I would hate to think how much a recon'ed R380 with the short bell housing would cost.

$2000 from Ashcroft delivered.

[franko]

Hmm that makes it very temping considering a Roamerdrive is north of 1800 usd.

[Rob]

Fitting an R380 means that you have to accommodate a longer transmission so either you move the engine forward (about 4 inches) or your start modifying prop shafts, crossmembers and the transmission tunnel... then you need to figure out the transfer case, either adapt a series TX case to the new tranny ($1000 adapter from Ashcroft) or use an LT230 and modify it to be part-time... the $1800 roverdrive (which is basically a bolt-in) seems the simpler and cheaper way to go. I put one into a Defender a few years back and it was great. Nothing wrong with an R380 and it gives you a fully synchro gear box but it would be a lot more work (and money) than the roverdrive.

[franko]

All great points, thanks Rob.. I probably should just save them pennies for a Roamerdrive.

[cbalme]

I'd take Rob's advice and leave it alone.

If you really want to do a five-speed swap why not an LT77? They are plenty strong enough and I know where one can be found locally.

My vote is on the overdrive.

[franko]

Yeah probably right eh. I think I’ll just save for a roverdrive and call it good.