Otions on recon LT77's?

[winx]

I have got quite a bit of slop in the transmission on my 200tdi, which from reading around here is generally thought to be the mainshaft wearing.
I had planned on putting a recon gearbox in a few months down the line to sort this, but having got clutch slave cylinder problems at the moment I am contemplating bringing this forward.

Are there any other options other than ashcrofts, not being a total tight wad but just like to shop around a bit!?  I would also love it to come with a reverse light switch as mine is missing so have had to rig up a switch on the dashboard until I sort the new box!  With my new job I havent got a great deal of spare time or a garage and tools to do the box change and was wondering what an acceptable amount was to change the gearbox?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

[andyb]

You can check for the mainshaft wear yourself. Remove the PTO cover on the back of the transfer box (ring of bolts at about 10 o'clock position from the handbrake drum......you'll see what I mean when you look :) )

Once removed you will see the end of the mainshaft 'inside' the input gear in the transfer box. This is a splined joint and you will able to see/test for the wear that you mention.

I have changed A-frame ball joint, rear suspension bushes and swapped in a 24 spline axle to replace the old slack 10 spline and all this has improved transmission backlash.

It may well be that you really do have a lot of wear in your gearbox. IIRC Ashcroft will swap in a recon box in a day (including a curtosy car) for just under £700. This will include a new clutch.

An independant will be cheaper. PM if you want to know how much cheaper ;)

HTH

[winx]

thanks for those tips, I will look into them, will get the new slave cylinder this weekend once the truck is mobile again start looking into a new 'box

[hobbit]

Definately worth checking, perhaps the slack could be in the transfer box rather than the gearbox, a lot easier problem to do