R380 Gearbox from LDV Van?

[jpyke]

Hi all, I have a Rover V8 with an LT77 which is getting a bit tired. I took a trip to the local breakers yard this morning and discovered an R380 from an LDV van. Can I fit this to a Rover V8? what would I need to change to make it fit. Also, are the ratios different - I'd rather not fit it if the V8 will end up revving too highly. Thanks

[TINKA]

I think the ratios are different as it is geared down for the van so you might find your car revving higher. But Russell Ram will be able to give a better answer.

[stevey]

Hi all, I have a Rover V8 with an LT77 which is getting a bit tired. I took a trip to the local breakers yard this morning and discovered an R380 from an LDV van. Can I fit this to a Rover V8? what would I need to change to make it fit. Also, are the ratios different - I'd rather not fit it if the V8 will end up revving too highly. Thanks

Hi I run an LT77 from a Freightrover and while the 1st gear is a bit short it is just fine runs at 2300 at 70 mph in 5th gear could not give you figures for higher speeds though thr R380 will not be much different just stronger only word of warning in a scrapyard you may have to consider a refurb before fitting
Steve

[Marty V6]

Hi I run an LT77 from a Freightrover and while the 1st gear is a bit short it is just fine runs at 2300 at 70 mph in 5th gear could not give you figures for higher speeds though thr R380 will not be much different just stronger only word of warning in a scrapyard you may have to consider a refurb before fitting
Steve

Hi all,
I also run a Sherpa box in my RV8 Sumo and it gives the same gearing as Steveys. The length of the gearstick was fairly impressive when I first got it as well!!. The Sherpa box was, in LT77 version, supposed to have heavier duty bearings as well. Dont know if its true, but if it can cope with 2 tones of spuds, or 8 fat coppers in a Sherpa/Freight Rover, then it'll be more than good enough for the Cob.

[Purple AK]

Hi all,
I also run a Sherpa box in my RV8 Sumo and it gives the same gearing as Steveys. The length of the gearstick was fairly impressive when I first got it as well!!. The Sherpa box was, in LT77 version, supposed to have heavier duty bearings as well. Dont know if its true, but if it can cope with 2 tones of spuds, or 8 fat coppers in a Sherpa/Freight Rover, then it'll be more than good enough for the Cob.

The box in my last LDV was still sweet at 190K having coped with 3+tonnes all it's life I think most (if any) ratio difference is in the Diff. The new one has a MT75 though

[dinosoar]

I may be wrong but I believe that the fifth gear ratio may be a bit shorter in some sherpa boxes.
However this is dead easy to swap if you have a donor box as fifth is housed in the alloy bit at the back and the gears can be swapped without any special tooling or upsetting any bearing settings.
First may also be a bit shorter.
I think most sherpa boxes were D Spec and therefore have the larger shafts and bearings. Synchros are bound to have had a hard life though. They can be deglased by giving the offnedin gear a good hard shove whilst engine is running, foot hard on brake without the clutch pressed.

Andy

[wilf]

I believe the input shafts differ from the saloon versions - different number of splines, so the correct clutch plate will be needed.

[DELAGE]

Did this one last week for Big Tone, anyway here goes:

R380 box ratio's sports 22A as fitted in my car.
3.98:1
2.50:1
1.50:1
1.00:1
0.78:1

First three gears slightly shorter legged than the LT77, 5th is slightly longer legged but there has been some disagreement about ratio's with this box, as said Russell is your man. I have noticed no difference myself two speak of. 70 in fifth, 15" wheels with 3.54:1 diff I pull 2,900 rpm.

The box is stronger than the LT77 runs on fully synthetic oil of your choice, remote gear shift will fit straight on and you can get rid of all those nasty springs and gubbins for reverse as reverse on the latter box is across to the right and down and it has an internal reverse light switch.

No spline difference as far as I am aware, no prop-shaft alterations. BUT you will need to move the gear box mount 2" backward or forward cant remember which. This box was fitted to TVR, Morgan, Sherpa and various late type MG's and is in my opinion a much better box than the LT77.

[Marty V6]

I believe the input shafts differ from the saloon versions - different number of splines, so the correct clutch plate will be needed.

Not sure about that one Wilf. I changed from an auto to a manual using a sherpa box, and the standard SD1 Lt77 clutch I got for it fitted straight off. I think it came from Rimmer Bros, but cant be sure without tracking down receipts.

My understanding is that the R380 box is a better box than the Lt77, they certainly seem to command a premium over the LT77.

Cheers

Marty

[DELAGE]

May be worth mentioning if the input shaft on the Sherpa is different in relationship to amount of splines, you may well find the spigot bearing will also be a different diameter inside so that will have to be changed.