The introduction of the LT230 transfer case in the newer Rovers was welcomed as an improved design but unfortunately its low range of approximately 43:1 was disappointing. Compounding this adverse move is the fact that modern engines, built more for road oriented use, develop maximum torque at a higher RPM. The fitment of larger diameter tires also raises the effective ratio making matters even worse. All this results in not having adequate slow speed crawl ability that is beneficial for rugged 4 wheel drive work such as rock climbing and compression braking. The LT230RC low range kit reduces low ratio by 30% resulting in a compound low of approximately 57:1 with stock differential gearing and tires. The effect is dramatic because in addition to lower gearing you are higher up into the power curve of the engine so the result feels much greater than 30%.

For comparison purposes here is a table of ratios for a Defender with a R380 five speed main box and stock tires.

Other gearbox configurations vary slightly but the bottom line is, this conversion lowers your existing low range 30% giving a larger gear selection and less overlap with high range. This 30% reduction is achieved by simply substituting the two low range gears within the transfer case without the need to add on extra gearboxes. A PTO can still be fitted in the usual manner if required. This kit contains a new intermediate gear, low gear and intermediate shaft that is pre-shimmed so installation is quicker and easier. There are no major modifications required to fit this new gear set. These gears are manufactured from top grade case hardening steel - EN39B, and are accurately machine hobbed to achieve quiet operation with straight cut teeth which are stronger than heilical. High/Low range gear selection (via dog clutch) remains completely original. Our favorite combination of gearing for the avid off roader is our 4.1 differential gearing combined with our LT230RC transfer case gears, which is an overall low range gearing reduction of 50%. This way you get the benefits of a lower high range - better acceleration, power and towing during normal driving conditions and the slower speeds required for rock crawling and compression braking in low range!

Tech Note:  Rover transfer cases come with one of three output gears, either a 26, 28 or 38 tooth. The 26 tooth is usually found on the Defender 110šs with the 1.4 ratio transfer case. The 28 tooth is found on most U.S. spec Rovers with the 1.22 ratio transfer case. Late 1998 and 1999 Discovery's had the 38 tooth output gears also a 1.22 ratio, usually found on transfer cases starting with the serial numbers 36D also known as the Q box. It is extremely important to know which one you have, there has been a fair amount of mixing and matching particularly with the amount of warranty work that these transfer cases have received. The most reliable method to determine this is to remove your PTO cover and count them. This is fairly easy to do and we highly recommend it and will ask you if you have done it when you call!