Defender · Defender 90 / 110 / 130 · 1990s–2016
Defender (Classic) transmission
Gearbox, transfer case, differential and clutch parts for Land Rover 4x4 drivetrains.
What is specific to the Defender (Classic)
Gearbox: Manual gearbox on Tdi, Td5 and 2.8i models; 6-speed manual (2.4 and 2.2 Puma).
Drivetrain: Permanent four-wheel drive with a two-speed (high and low range) transfer case, beam axles on coil springs, separate steel chassis. No air suspension.
Have this ready when you enquire
- The 17-character VIN from your licence document, which identifies your exact Defender 90 / 110 / 130 (sold here 1990s–2016) and its build.
- The gearbox type: Manual gearbox on Tdi, Td5 and 2.8i models or 6-speed manual (2.4 and 2.2 Puma).
- Which engine it is paired with (2.5 300Tdi turbodiesel, 2.5 Td5 five-cylinder turbodiesel, 2.8i straight-six petrol (South African derivative) (BMW M52), 2.4 TDCi Puma turbodiesel and 2.2 TDCi Puma turbodiesel), as that changes the gearbox and driveline parts.
- A photo of the old part or its part number, if you can get to it.
Known Defender (Classic) transmission faults
None of the Defender (Classic) faults we track fall in this system, so there is no known weak point to warn you about here. Send the part name with your VIN and the team will confirm the right transmission for your vehicle.
Parts commonly needed for the Defender (Classic)
Defender owners mostly buy parts to keep a working vehicle working: suspension bushes, shocks and springs, swivel housing and hub components, brake parts, clutch kits and propshaft universal joints.
Replacing the whole unit? A complete unit may cost less than rebuilding one on an older Defender (Classic). See gearboxes for sale , transfer cases for sale or differentials for sale .
Defender (Classic) transmission questions
Do Land Rover automatic gearboxes need fluid changes?
Some automatic gearboxes were described as filled for life, but many transmission specialists recommend changing the fluid and filter, particularly on vehicles that tow, off-road or operate in heat. Use only the fluid specified for your gearbox.
What does a transfer case do?
It splits drive between the front and rear axles. On models with a two-speed transfer case, it also provides a low-range gear set for steep terrain, towing boats up slipways and slow technical driving.
Transmission for other Defender models
Other Defender (Classic) systems
For how these parts work and the signs of wear, read the Land Rover transmission guide.
The right transmission for your Defender (Classic)
Share the VIN and engine number and the SparesBoyz parts team will check fitment before quoting.