Replace LT77 with R390 with an engine change?

OOPS typo should be R380..

OK, so I've taken off the LT230 transfer box cover plate to check for play in the shaft, and there are what appear to be copper shavings in the oil. So I guess it's shagged. Is it worth replacing the LT77 with the R380 when I replace the transfer box? Will the R380 fit my 2.5 petrol engine (in 1986 110)? Also, I'm planning in the future to maybe fit a diesel engine. Is the 300Tdi "the one" to go for? It seems from reading the threads that the R380 would fit with a different bellhousing. Is the engine swap a big job? And finally, if I just drive with my clunky box and diffs will I permanently knacker anything else? Just asking because it might take some time to find decent used engine and box.

Thanks for any help from a recent newbie.

The R380 has a longer bellhousing and would end up sitting far to far back and would require shortening/lengthening of the props.

So you need to move the engine forward - if you want to go 300tdi then, yes do it, and when you weld the mounts on put them in the proper 300tdi position.

I would say the 300 is the one to go for, many people will say 200 but there is no real reason. Both easy to work on, the 300 is smoother and quieter.

Driving it like that will not put any extra stress on anything, but do take up the play when you take off smoothly if you can, so you don't get the UJ's and axles getting slammed each time the play is taken up in the gearbox.

I have the same issue with mine, new LT230 sitting ready for fitting with longer splines on the input gear so it will sit on a previously unused section of the output shaft from the main box - note, if the wear is VERY bad, it will give if you give eventually and you will loose all drive, not good if sitting in the middle of a junction!

Brilliant, thanks for your advice. So if I fit the 300 further forward I'd be OK with current props?

Yeah - the gearboxes sit in the same place, but as the bellhousing is longer then engine sits further forward.

So plan is, line up gearbox, bolt it in where it belongs then offer 300tdi up to it. weld mounts where needed.

Simple, OR look at the chassis spec details (about here somewhere) and measure carefully. I would not use this method, its a Land Rover nothing is bang on!