Shackleton Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 I want to go for a new/recon gearbox and transfer case for my year long journey around Europe. Makes sense right. Well I've checked with Ashcroft about an exchange R380 (Td5) and transfer case and before I even ship my box out (I'm in Ireland) and their box back in I'll be down €1600! I've only heard good things about Ashcroft but I suppose I'm hear to ask whether I've been talking to the right people or listening hard enough? I could have my units recon'd here for that or less but I'd be sceptical about the quality of the work and Ashcroft also talk about modding the g'box for a better shift. Can anyone who has any experience at all weigh in, I need to make decisions and quick, the weather is closing in and I've shag all done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 I want to go for a new/recon gearbox and transfer case for my year long journey around Europe. Makes sense right.Well I've checked with Ashcroft about an exchange R380 (Td5) and transfer case and before I even ship my box out (I'm in Ireland) and their box back in I'll be down €1600! I've only heard good things about Ashcroft but I suppose I'm hear to ask whether I've been talking to the right people or listening hard enough? I could have my units recon'd here for that or less but I'd be sceptical about the quality of the work and Ashcroft also talk about modding the g'box for a better shift. Can anyone who has any experience at all weigh in, I need to make decisions and quick, the weather is closing in and I've shag all done I have bought a variety of stuff from Ashcrofts over the 15+ years, 100% genuine firm, 101% great customer service, reputation is deserved I am sure you can buy cheaper, ....as to if you can buy cheaper and as good - thats the issue With many "Recon" boxes there is often more "Con" than "Re" If you can afford it then IMHO buy from Ashcroft Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 You can buy a box outright so you don't have to ship yours back - the exchange is £200 IIRC. If the shipping is the killer then could be worth asking round to see if anyone is going over and has some space in the back of their truck for a big box of cogs. My box is ashcroft and seems fine so far, all my dealings with them have been helpful and genuine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shackleton Posted September 17, 2007 Author Share Posted September 17, 2007 So the stuff is genuinely good, and thats a good point about just buying outright. I could well afford the cogs but it's like this, every penny I spend here is a fraction of a mile less that I'll be able to afford on the road if you get me. So Nige do you have an R380 from them and can you comment on the difference in their shift mod? What 'bout you Fridgey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Yes mine's an R380, it works fine but having never owned one before I can't comment on it's relative performance. It's the suffix-L TVR-spec type with the improved shifting if that makes a difference, ISTR them telling me all their boxes were built to the latest/improved spec anyway regardless of what you send them. I also recall either a post or an interview where Mr Ashcroft stated that people doing a recon for much less money couldn't be a proper job due to the basic cost of parts or somesuch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 well worth the money IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orgasmic Farmer Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 I had an LT77 from them a couple of years back and it shifts like a sports car. Absolutely can't fault it. I bought a 200 tdi from a mate which had had a recon box in it less than 18 months previously and it is already like a box of nails. The 2nd gear syncro has dropped out and the change is generally sloppy. Put it this way price of ashcrofts box is what £400 price of a cheap recon will be a minimum of £250 Changing the box over and fitting new clutch and fork and transfer gear will be the same whatever. When you add it all up its only a small difference for the peace of mind it gives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway_Star Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Had a tricked up TorqFlite from them some years back, couldn't fault either the product or the service. Unlimited advice on the phone or email before even ordering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastcard Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Agree with all the above and can vouch for the excellent customer service in the (unlikely) event that you have a problem. This particular purchase was only a bracket, so they must take their boxes really seriously! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 They were incredibly tolerant of me phoning them up prior to buying the R380 asking all sorts of retrospectively rather tedious questions about shifter linkages, tailhousings, bellhousing castings etc. I'm sure many companies wouldn't have bothered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shackleton Posted September 19, 2007 Author Share Posted September 19, 2007 Thanks fellas, the weird thing is until you said Ashcroft IS the quality alternative I hadn't even considered that buying a brand new box from LR was the other option. Looks like a box from AT though cause I've watched as the synchros get more and more sticky on my pals Defender and if Ashcrofts mods do what they say on the tin then thats for me... If anyones making an impromtpu trip to or from Ireland let me know, I'd gladly share your fuel costs if you'd be willing to take a box either way Cheers again guys, it makes a hell of a difference having some back up from here! George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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