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Millsy94



Member Since: 06 Jun 2013
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 91

England 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Aintree Green
Gkn overdrive are theyv worth it?
hi all, i see lots of different comments regarding GKN overdrives and 1.2 transfer swaps but cant seem to find what i really want to know, i have ruled out the 1.2 transfer box swap as i am frequently towing and really dont want to have to keep dropping into low box, the gearing for towing is lovely as it is just need a 6th. Im not after a motorway cruser as would i have bought i 90 if thats what i wanted? i just want to drop the revs slightly. and although the roverdrive seems the best option i physically canty afford it. i hear bad things about GKN overdrives but i also hear people who praise them. please can somone enlighten me are they really that much trouble? cheers Ed
Post #247597 29th Jun 2013 12:24pm
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natyeo



Member Since: 27 Jan 2013
Location: Bentham
Posts: 136

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Santorini Black
Re: Gkn overdrive are theyv worth it?
Unnecessary quote removed

I re built a GKN for my Hybird which I got off ebay for £60, with lt77s , std transfer box and 200 tdi, the man I got it off had a few problems with it on his 110 td5 , I think the GKN struggles with high torque out puts and really you'ed be better with the Roverdrive one on a Td5, mines been fine but only stands me at £60 + parts £125 = £185 so not big money, maybe just keep watching ebay for a cheapy? 2014 2.2 90 hard top , Warm M8000 , Scorpain winch bumper, Ashcroft rear atb
2012 2.2 tdci 110 Utility
1993 110 CSW Warn M8000 , Scorpain winch bumper , 2" lift , Roamerdive overdrive, on going
1971 Hybird 200tdi, 2 x truetracs,Extrem winch bumper, M8000, GKN overdrive & Coils 2" lift, Glynn Lewis cranked rear trail arms
1971 Series 3 88, Perkins 4203,M8000,SATs,O/D,
Post #258196 12th Aug 2013 3:30pm
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Romadog



Member Since: 07 Jul 2011
Location: Powys
Posts: 1749

I had one on a Td5 90 y reg and it was great, partly due to the fact that it was running on 205/R16 tyres ! It meant that whilst towing I could drop a cog whilst keeping the power on and overtake on hills etc with ease and little effort. I had one failure, which was sorted by GKN, and one rocker switch replaced,but the vehicle did over 120,000 miles, mostly towing an 18' trailer.
Post #258216 12th Aug 2013 4:46pm
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ickle



Member Since: 22 Jul 2010
Location: South Vendee
Posts: 1782

France 2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Alpine White
I had a gkn on a 200tdi running 265 mud terrains and swapped for a 1.2 transfer box without problems.

I did a huge amount of towing, (3.5 tonne Ifor tipper) that was virtually maxxed most of the time and only ever had to use low box when moving from stationary up very steep hills, or on difficult terrain off road.

I had a couple of issues with the gkn, but it was worth silly money at the time and I wanted to make the truck simpler and lighter.

Keith
Post #258298 12th Aug 2013 9:11pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8035

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
i ran one on my JE chipped TD5 90 with 235.85s from 20k to 105k miles. wires broke on the speed sender unit one clutch change once but that was the only issue.

if i didnt have a puma i would run a GKN again no question

quieter
better mpg Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #258333 13th Aug 2013 6:07am
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df1



Member Since: 06 Aug 2011
Location: Ireland
Posts: 221

Are you suppose to clutch when changing up or down ?

I have a gkn removed, I always clutched but never sure if it was necessary. I removed it as it started slipping or something, it was like a clutch gone. Removed it and put in 1.2 transfer. Always meant to open it and have a look inside.
Post #258336 13th Aug 2013 6:29am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8035

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
i used the clutch to change down Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #258338 13th Aug 2013 6:37am
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Tom DCab



Member Since: 13 Jun 2013
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 33

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Oslo Blue
I had the Ashcroft Transmissions ratio swap on my 90 TD5. It is a great mod. I never towed much, just a horsebox occasionally, but the higher ratio didn't seem to be a problem in the slightest. (TD5 has plenty of torque) I think the higher ratio really suits the defender - particularly if you have done engine performance mods - with the standard ratios you are constantly changing gear...
Post #258353 13th Aug 2013 8:17am
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Millsy94



Member Since: 06 Jun 2013
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 91

England 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Aintree Green
Thanks for all youre advice, i managed to find a gkn on ebay (bit of a gamble) but i have to say its the best thing ive done especially as i travel 50 miles a day once in im 5th OD i can cruise at 65-75 all day long and still return 33MPG best thing ive done. only one thing annoys me, 9 times out of 10 it wont drop out till around 35mph but occasionally itll kick out at 45 which gives a large shunt in the transmission. whats the cause of this?
Post #258472 13th Aug 2013 8:57pm
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appaloosadude



Member Since: 17 Oct 2012
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 630

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Havana
I have practically the same fault, I put it down to either a weak solenoid, or weak friction on the cone clutch.
Post #258475 13th Aug 2013 9:01pm
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appaloosadude



Member Since: 17 Oct 2012
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 630

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Havana
In answer to the original question, I wouldn't be without mine.
Post #258477 13th Aug 2013 9:11pm
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rustandoil



Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 739

England 2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey
Millsy94 wrote:
Thanks for all youre advice, i managed to find a gkn on ebay (bit of a gamble) but i have to say its the best thing ive done especially as i travel 50 miles a day once in im 5th OD i can cruise at 65-75 all day long and still return 33MPG best thing ive done. only one thing annoys me, 9 times out of 10 it wont drop out till around 35mph but occasionally itll kick out at 45 which gives a large shunt in the transmission. whats the cause of this?


Probably the speed sensor playing up, take it out and give it a clean, perhaps change the oil in the overdrive itself.
Post #258517 14th Aug 2013 5:25am
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