GEARMASTER - transfer case reduction gears 85%

I think Trevor R has got the 85% ones in his 4.2TD and he loves them.

I have the 43% reduction in my 6.5 and I reckon that any lower (ie: the 85%) would be just too low unless you do a lot of rock-hopping. Even the 43% units are pretty low and a lot of the time I find I have to go back up to high range 1st or 2nd, cos even 4th low is pretty low and top speed is about 30k/h without it screaming.....

Great bit of kit......

Roachie

Hi KiwiAngler,

I have those exact gears in my 2.8/4.2T GU Patrol. I installed the gears myself but I was lucky in that I had a second transfer case that I fit the gears without disabling the Patrol.

I read the instructions several times before doing anything and then planned what I needed to do and when. Stripping the transfer case is easy as was grinding out a small section of housing on the inside (used a small 4" grinder). I had then made arrangements to go to a bearing place and remove and fit new bearings and seals to the new gears and case with their press as I have very limited hand tools.

Next was reassembling where I made sure that I used a good quality gaskey sealer on all surfaces so I had no leaks when filled with oil.

To remove and refit the transfer case you will need 2 blokes and a pit/hoist. I am not sure ablout the 3.0L patrols but the 2.8 has gearbox oil lapping the transfer case housing so we were coated in oil when we broke the seal. The 4.2 has the gearbox oil contained in the gearbox.

There was 2 reasons I went for the 85% reduction. One was the 2.8 had 35" tyres and just didn't have enough low down torque offroad. Second was we tow an Aussie Swag Camper and trying to maneaver in tight spots meant either riding the clutch or too higher speed.

Things are slightly different now since converting the 2.8 over to a 4.2T but I still appreciate the fact that I have so much more control with revs, torque and speed whilst doing steep (up or down) climbs or tight maneuvers. There has only been a couple of instances where first gear is used now (and that has been for really difficult offroad work) so most low range work is 3rd gear or 2nd whilst towing. Engine braking down hills is done mostly in 2nd to 3rd low as babies crawl faster than 1st low.

The only downside is that top speed in low range is 25km/hr at around 3000rpm so there is a lot more cog swapping between low and high range.

I am very impressed with the gears and will have them in pretty much any touring/offroad 4wd that I will ever own.

Regards
David

Kiwi,

Grungle has summed it up beautifully. I love the control the crawler gear gives me on my 4.2. It is true that low 1st is very rarely used or needed but if you do need it, it is better to have it. I reckon, if you are changing the low range gear you may as well go lowest available to give you the most options and gears from the work you are doing to the rig. I think it adds so much to my GU that I don't feel the need for a locker at this stage.

Last years national gathering saw a lot of blokes back in first low for one of the climbs to the summit of one big hill (all sorts of vehicles) but the lowest I got was 3rd low and second low to start off again when I was stopped by the nanny driver of the vehicle in front hehehe (Hi Ross H LOL!!).

Get it and enjoy, best money you will spend on the truck.
Regards, Trevor.

Thanks all for your replies - I have read and considered them all

I have made the decision to go with the 85% mainly because I have a LOT of weight in my 3.0lt (weighs about 3,500kg all up) and I have 285 tyres so I like the notion of being able to 'crawl' both up and down hills without the need for a lot of momentum. Less momentum means less crashing and bashing which means a better ride and less damage to vehicle, contents and passengers

I will wait until I get back from the CSR trip (12th July - 11th August) as I wont need it for then.

But will definitely appreciate them when I am in the Victorian High Country

Once again thanks

Trevor

Thanks for that review it has just confirmed what I had already decided is right for me

I just don't have time, unfortunately, to get it done b4 I go to the Canning.

I am not too fussed about that really as I believe (for me anyway) the true value will be in places like Victorian High Country

I will report back here once I get the work done and done a couple of VHC trips