Early Range Rover Classic Gearbox Swap

[politeperson]

I have a nice original silver 85’ Range Rover with a 5 speed LT77 (long stick I assume) manual transmission. It is a four door, on carbs with the early grill and dash. It is in good nick.

Although it is taxed and tested, it is used more as a toy than anything else, having replaced a long line of series Landys.

The transmission whines over 30 mph suggesting play in the transfer box or the gear box. You can hold a conversation at 70 mph, just. The transmission also clonks from take off suggesting excessive backlash (worn splines), I think.

I have a perfect complete “short stick” lt77 from a later V8 vehicle a with attatched transfer box, strapped to a pallet in my workshop. I was therefore thinking about a transmission swap, as the second tranny owes me nothing.

Question is, is converting the short stick box to long stick a nightmare?, or is it a matter of changing over the remotes that sit on top?

I have looked into this a bit but cannot see a definitive answer.

Some commentators think it is a doddle, others imply it is akin nuclear physics.

I am fairly experienced with a spanner, but don’t really want to end up shimming input shafts etc. I am however reasonably brave (read stupid), and will have a go!

Merely swapping the transfer box is something I would consider.

Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Regards

James

[sheltie50]

Hi, I am doing this to my 83 r/r so could keep you posted as the week ish goes on, there is some good info on other posts, look into "200tdi into range rover" and "retro fit 200tdi into range rover" and more on this forum, also look into input / first motion shaft length, I have been told that the alloy plate on top of the tunnel can be cut for the gear lever but the consol might be a little tricky, not sure if an auto consol might do it.

Also understand the long lever R/R is quite rare.

Good luck,