LT77 versus the R380

Gents,

I am pondering replacing my gearbox at some point. Tembo came from the military with a rebuilt engine 2.5 engine, LT77 gearbox and low ratio 230 transfer case. The rebuild stamped plates are on each item. The engine and transfer case are solid and good for maybe 5-10 more years (knock on wood). I am not as sure about the LT77.

Ashcroft Transmission which is fairly close by in Luton recommend upgrading to the R380 if you are going to replace the gearbox but I am not sure. Yes, I acknowledge that the LT77 is probably not as strong as the R380 but given that Tembo is stripped down to reduce wieght to the minimum (as opposed to being crammed with extra overland toys) and I tend to drive slowly and sedately always, especially off road, do I need the R380?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated...

The stronger box is the better option, driving sedately on road will help with the life of these boxes but thats not where the damage is done, most damage is done off road when in low range due to the increased torque rise of low range, and the additional drag and loadings of off road terrain conspiring together to put an excessive load on the box.

The LT85 Santana box is the bees knees, but are like rocking horse poo as the off-road racers tend to snap them up whenever they surface.

Yep, had an LT85 in my Santana 110 in Zimbabwe. Never had a problem with it after alot of trips out into the western bush. But yes, noticed they aren't that common or available here. Below is a picture taken at out Chitaki campsite in Mana Pools national Park. Probably one of the best vehicles I ever owned.

Errr, have you ever had a roof on a Landy?

Only one...and only then because it was my first wife's in Zimbabwe. But I eventually took that one off as well. Will post some pics of my landies in another thread...