Tommyl Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Hi all, I'm rebuilding my defender 90 and putting in a 3.5 efi v8 with disco 300 running gear. I'm thinking of putting a galv chassis under her, would I be better off buying a 300 chassis so the gearbox bolts in the right place and then just bolt on some mounting brackets or by a v8 chassis and see how the gear box fits? Really confused on what to do so any help would be much appreciated by and one who has done it or knows on what to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Start by talking to Richards http://www.richardschassis.co.uk/contact.html or Marsland http://www.marsland-chassis.co.uk/contact.html & work out what you need, I'm sure both will be pleased to supply a chassis to your exact requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need4speed Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 What exactly do you mean by "disco 300 running gear"? If your not planning to spend ££££ on a spanking new galv chassis, all you need is any decent chassis that used an R380 gearbox. The transmission mounts will be in correct place. Bolt engine and transmission together and temporarily mount transmission to chassis mounts. This then gives you the position to weld your engine mounts. Then remove engine and transmission. Repair chassis in usual places. Send chassis off to be galvanised. Job done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejparrott Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Phone Richards and ask them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skauldy Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I'd buy the V8 chassis and then get a 300 crossmember, these bolt in so you won't ruin your glav finish welding in V8 engine mounts. I could be wrong but this is what i found when i researched something similar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyl Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 Thanks for the help western Need4speed I ment 300 gearbox , transfer box and axles, I suppose what your saying would be a lot cheaper in all fairness, start from scratch on a decent chassis and get that galvanised Thanks for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 What ejparrot says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete3000 Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 be careful about swapping too much about, make sure you have enough from the original vehicle to retain the reg/ID. Just a thought if you get tugged in for a VOSA check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GW8IZR Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 yes you need to be very careful and I dont believe you can "just galv any old chassis and use it" for your rebuild. Its been covered in the forum(s) many many times so well worth searching .. but in summary either the original chassis or a brand new galv chassis that’s never been used if you want to keep out of Q plate and SVA territory Have a read here as it might help you decide what to do https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/rebuilt-vehicles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco-Ron Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Also be aware that a 300 gearbox, assuming diesel, won't just bolt to a v8.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need4speed Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Also be aware that a 300 gearbox, assuming diesel, won't just bolt to a v8.. Good point. You will need v8 bellhousing and defender output shaft for the R380. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyl Posted April 6, 2015 Author Share Posted April 6, 2015 Thanks for all the help and advise, Ye I'm sorting that out from Ashcroft, so what's the difference in the way the gearbox is mounted from the lt77 and r380? And am I right in thinking that I would be better off with a 300 chassis then bolt on the engine mounts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need4speed Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 If it were me I'd be trying to find as late a td5 chassis as possible. More chance of it being in reasonably easy to repair condition. You will be wanting to get a GOOD welder to do the engine mounts for you. You really don't want chewing gum welding holding the mounts on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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