Slick Shift Install

Today I’ve done something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Install a Syncro Gearboxes Slick Shift. The reasons I’ve not been able to do this before is they did not make a slick shift to suit the LT85 which I have in my Defender. But recently they released a new version!

I won’t go into too much detail on this install as the YouTube instructions they have are very good. Y first task however is not normal. And that is to cut the transmission tunnel back further to allow access. Normally this would not be required, but I have and R380 tunnel tube in place, so that later I can fit the Exmoor moulded matting system to the front – again LT85 not being very popular meant there is a matting system for this type of gear box / vehicle combination. As you can see in the pictures I can’t access the top of the shift box.

So out with the Dremel. A tool a seldom use as it’s pretty useless, and surprisingly very poor quality – it’s already whining and splitting in two after very little use. However, for this job it worked well. Its not the neatest of jobs, but when I reshape the top of the tunnel, I’ll take care of this.

Removed the old parts ready for cleaning.

These screws where a pain – as suggested in the video. I got a bit of heat into them and they eventually came out.

All nicely fitted.

Although between the last two photos was a lot of messing around. Once fitted – with grease and silicone sealant, I couldn’t get reverse. I tried this a few time, cleaning and refitting grease and silicone multiple times – very messy! In the end I worked out that if I fitting all parts, lightly tightened the bolts that hold it down, and then select reverse, and fully tightened, this solved the issue and it worked find.

I think this issue is just a by-product of my old worn box, and a difficult reverse. Either way, it’s all done now and a great improvement on gear changes!