Troopy Gearboxes

Thanks for that Glenn, thats what I suspected. Do you know if the R151 5 speed was used right to the end of the non turbo diesel 6 models? I would imagine the new V8 diesel would have a stronger box. The reason for my question is I have an opportunity to buy one of the later versions (2005 I am told) but I may want to put a turbo on it later and would rather not create gearbox reliability issues.

Thanks Pop

Will still be the weaker R151 box right through till the end.You can fit the H151 boxes to 1Hz engines.Just need flywheel, clutch and bellhousing.May also need gear shift levers.
Havent heard about R151 boxes breaking shafts but they are known to drop 5th gear.

there should be an ex wa police damaged one (wrte off coming up for sale at auction this coming week at fowles )

Hi Redbakk

When you say that you had the "whole gearbox" replaced do you mean with another R151 or did you replace with the H151? As the vehicle I have in mind will be doing the same work (caravan tow tractor) how many k's have you clocked up now? Also what do you think of the turbo conversion?

Thanks Pop

Hi Pop.....gearbox is a brand new R151F and it came with a 20,000k warranty and it went in at 105375k....it has now done152847k....so to date it has done 47472 with the new box.

I do a lot of beach work and so have to cope with dunes.....for example Yeagerup and so I had the turbo fitted, which has been great for the van as well.....turbo?...yes $4000 drive away no more to pay..a good move...would not be without it. Bunbury fuel injection did it for me...very happy.

BUT I bought the troopy for a reason...that I had a vehicle that was set up for going into hard to get at places without the need to tow anything.......for example a campertrailer....but at the same time I use it to tow the van, that you see in the profile photo's.

So I tow the van up to Exmouth or 80 Mile beach or Barn Hill for example and usually free camp on the way....and then use the troopy to hit the beaches fishing etc.

This combination has worked for me and so I put up with:


1.I have to "tow" in 4th gear but I am not in a hurry anyway...does it go through fuel when towing?...yes it does..but if I spent $60,000 on another /better!? tow vehicle...I ask myself how much fuel will $60,000 buy.

2.It drives like a truck...so I fitted commodore bucket seats...run my tyres a little lower ( air pressure)...BUT I have lot's of ground clearance and I feel safer on the road as far as roo's etc are concerned.

3.The most important of all...I just love her...second to SWMBO of course...it's a "troopy thing" you understand....and so I will probably get another later.