Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender 300Tdi › Workshop guide › Change gearbox & transfer box oil

Land Rover Defender 300Tdi: change gearbox & transfer box oil

Transmission · Defender (1990–2016) · 1994–1998

How often: every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs, whichever comes first. Fresh oil keeps the synchromesh and transfer box bearings healthy.

Some of these intervals are more frequent than Land Rover's original schedule. That is deliberate for older vehicles.

Main gearbox	R380 5-speed, 2.67 L. Originally ATF Dexron; later boxes filled with MTF 94 (75W-80). Check the tag or your manual
Transfer box	LT230: 80W-90 (GL-4 recommended), 2.30 L

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Gearbox oil (R380 5-speed, 2.67 L. Originally ATF Dexron; later boxes filled with MTF 94 (75W-80). Check the tag or your manual)
Transfer box oil (LT230: 80W-90 (GL-4 recommended), 2.30 L)
2 × Drain plug washers (if needed)

Tools

Spanners
Drain tray
Oil pump

Step by step

Drive to warm the oil. Drain the gearbox and transfer box.
Clean the magnetic drain plugs and look for chips.
Refill each to its level plug with the specified oil.

More Land Rover Defender 300Tdi servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Timing belt, tensioner & idler every 60,000 mi or 5 yrs
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 3 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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