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Bumpydog

Member Since: 12 Mar 2020
Location: Co. Meath
Posts: 4

1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Auto Bonatti Grey

12V actuators for LT230 hi/lo and difflock

Has anyone installed 12V actuators to select hi/lo and/or difflock? I am contemplating installing two linear actuators via DPDT switches on the dash. The reason I am doing this is that I have limited space for the standard lever. I have a 1989 90 with 300TDi engine and auto box and an Ashcroft console.

Given that the auto box and transfer box is from a Discovery 1, would the transfer box have a low-range selected switch as well as a difflock selected switch? I've yet to lift the floor and tunnel to check.

The biggest challenge is making suitable mounting brackets for the actuators, but I can see no reason why this solution wouldn't work.

Anyone have any experience in this area?

Thanks.

12th Mar 2020 12:13pm

VVS210

Member Since: 12 Nov 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 953

There is not switch for hi/low on the D1 transfer box as I recall, only one for the diff lock warning light. D2 transfer boxes have a switch for hi/lo but finding one with a diff lock isn't easy!

Have you thought about using the cable arrangement for hi/lo from a D2 transfer box? - they are readily available and mean you can locate your shift lever to suit. For the diff lock, there's a guy on the D2 Boys Club forum who makes and sells vacuum actuator kits, complete with all the brackets to fit them and switch to actuate them.

12th Mar 2020 1:31pm

Bumpydog

Member Since: 12 Mar 2020
Location: Co. Meath
Posts: 4

Thanks for the reply. My problem is the lack of space forward/back. Selecting difflock is less of an issue. Do you have a link for the vacuum actuator solution? Is it for hi/low as well as difflock? I sort of thought that the D1 LT230 doesn't have the hi/lo select switch. Doesn't the D2 LT230 have difflock but no actuating method (hence the aftermarket kit)?

12th Mar 2020 1:43pm

VVS210

Member Since: 12 Nov 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 953

D2 LT230s don't all have diff locks, they are more common in pre-facelift cars but the 2002 onwards cars only had them as options although there is an urban myth that in 2004 at the model run out they all had CDL even if there was no linkage to lock the diff itself - I say urban myth as all the '04 cars I've seen actually don't have CDL fitted!

Will look to see if I can find a link to the pneumatic actuator and PM it to you, it only does the diff lock not hi/lo though - not sure if you will be able to see the thread though as I am pretty sure the D2 Boys Club does not have public access.

12th Mar 2020 6:12pm

ibexman

Member Since: 13 Dec 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 2945

Here

Deleted

12th Mar 2020 6:28pm

Bumpydog

Member Since: 12 Mar 2020
Location: Co. Meath
Posts: 4

VVS210 wrote:
D2 LT230s don't all have diff locks, they are more common in pre-facelift cars but the 2002 onwards cars only had them as options although there is an urban myth that in 2004 at the model run out they all had CDL even if there was no linkage to lock the diff itself - I say urban myth as all the '04 cars I've seen actually don't have CDL fitted!

Will look to see if I can find a link to the pneumatic actuator and PM it to you, it only does the diff lock not hi/lo though - not sure if you will be able to see the thread though as I am pretty sure the D2 Boys Club does not have public access.

I've checked your message (I need to have 3 posts under my belt to reply to your PM!!!)

12th Mar 2020 6:32pm

bankz5152

Member Since: 02 Feb 2017
Location: South London/North Kent
Posts: 2169

You can buy a pnuematic set for difflock so a 12v system would be fine.

I think you would struggle to get lo/hi to work well. Instagram @defender_ventures
Empire Tuning - Agent

12th Mar 2020 6:42pm

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2229

1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey

Why do you have no room with ashcroft auto console ?
There's a square hole in it for the transfer lever.
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

12th Mar 2020 6:51pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8033

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

You could remote the hi low like an underdrive lever Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

12th Mar 2020 9:46pm

Bumpydog

Member Since: 12 Mar 2020
Location: Co. Meath
Posts: 4

Mo Murphy wrote:
Why do you have no room with ashcroft auto console ?
There's a square hole in it for the transfer lever.
Mo

My 90 has a Puma dash. Whoever installed the Disco engine/transmission also put a bend in the hi/lo lever. If I straighten the lever, it won't go far enough forwards into low to clear the dash (heater motor?). I've yet to try straightening the lever slightly, to allow fitment of the knob (in high position) but I'm expecting it to not properly engage low range. The other issue is that it requires quite some effort to shift to low/lock, which might stump my missus from using it.

Click image to enlarge

13th Mar 2020 11:38am

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2229

Could you try a smaller knob ?
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

13th Mar 2020 5:02pm

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