Rattling noise when in low ratio

Hello Folks,

Im new to the forum as I've been (so far) lucky with my defender 90s issues and am a relative noob when it comes to mechanics. I don't know much about the gearbox and how the two ratios work so am putting this out there to see if anything jumps to mind for anyone before I start poking around.

So my 1987 defender 90 2.5l petrol (Brenda) has started to make and alarming loud uneven rattleing noise when you accelerate in low box. It sound a lot like something rattleing because it's loose or completely dislodged. The noise only happens when I am actually driving, and emanates from around the passenger side (its right hand drive) front wheel area but its hard to pinpoint exactly as I cant drive and stand outside at the same time.

Any ideas would be great, thanks

Rattling when driving are hard to track down. Without actually hearing it I cannot give you an accurate answer but the first and easy things to check for me would be the exhaust mountings, clamps, and heat shields. These can make an terrible noise and put the fear of god into you something is about to go horribly wrong, when all it needs is a mounting bolt tightening. I would also check the brake shield are clean and secure as they can have the seam effect if a stone gets caught or they are loose.

Your description makes it sound as if it should be transfer box related if it only happens in low, but it would be worth checking if it happens at the same road speed or engine revs in other gears. does the rattle change with revs, or speed or oes it remain constant?