Description
We are very pleased to offer an Ashcroft Automatic Torque Biasing centre differential for the LT230T.
A little background on the LT230 centre diff. The centre diff is there to allow the props to turn at different speeds when cornering to stop drivetrain wind up. The speed difference is quite small and the centre diff gears are only designed to cope with these low speeds. If you are Off Road on snow or ice and you get wheelspin from one front wheel, what will happen is the rear prop will not be moving, the front will thus be going double speed, this means the small centre diff gears will be spinning like fury and after a matter of only a few seconds the planet gears will friction weld to the cross pins and the gears will fail etc. Of course in this situation the centre diff should be locked to avoid failure.
There are instances when it’s not convenient to keep the diff locked or to constantly lock and unlock the diff as the available traction dictates, i.e, when racing fast on a low traction surface, the vehicle will not handle well when locked but is likely to wheel spin when unlocked.
Another example of where the AATB would help would be when rapidly changing from high to low traction surfaces, i.e. when driving on snow or ice,
In both of these examples the AATB will limit the amount the difference in propshaft speed and transfer torque to the axle with traction.
The two big advantages are increased traction when unlocked and eliminating the weakness of the stock unlocked centre diff.
Note the AATB centre can still be locked like the stock unit when required, locking the diff is still advised when prolonged wheel spin is anticipated.
When an AATB is ordered to be built within a rebuilt LT230 the price will be reduced to £ 300.
We make 2 different types of these as there are 2 different diameters of spline used for the high/
Type A – RRC, Disco 1, all Defender pre TD5, Serial numbers starting 20D, 22D, 25D, 26D, 28D, 29D, 36D, 37D
Type B – Disco 2, TD5 and TDCi Defenders, Serial numbers starting 41D, 42D, 43D, 57D, 60D, 61D, 62D, 68D, 69D, 70D, 80D, 81D
We recommend using EP80/
Note : Due to the nature of the AATB diff we do not recommend the vehicle is brake tested on rollers, ask for a decelerometer to be used instead.
Philip Muller –
LT230 ATB centerdiff
This thing is just brilliant, especially on those semi-slippery roads and fields. No fuss, just traction. I had this installed on my 1987 Ninety together with an Ashcroft ATB diff in the rear axle – I only regret not having it done earlier. Provides more grip in wet roads conditions.
Lari Tajakka –
atb center diff
Have now had that on my 200tdi Disco for two years. Original center diff was ruined due to having young heart and legacy of Finnish rally driving combined to icy and snowy roads for 4-5months per year. With Ashcrofts atb-center diff it’s getting harder to do an good wheel spin. On serious note I really appreciate this product. It is one of those things that should have been there from the factory. It has made Disco to feel like 4 wheeldrive.
Regards
Lari
Joost –
LT230 ATB Diff
I use this diff on my racer with the engine in the back. Before fitting the ATB the car had a tendency of having under steer due to too much drive torque going to the front axle. The under steer could only be avoided by locking the centre diff. With the ATB diff the handling issues are gone and the car drives so much better.
Otto –
Great for dirt roads
To protect the center differential I used to drive with diff lock on dirt roads. With the diff lock the rear of my truck tended to drift a bit. After installing an Ashcroft LT230 ATB Type b all the drama went away and the D90 is a bit more civilized on dirt and wet roads. This is an upgrade that I have enjoyed a lot.
Fernando –
Great upgrade
I just finished installing the ashcroft mt82 output shaft and centre diff ATB. Wow what a difference! I have e-lockers both front and rear and to say that my vehicle has no clunking whats so ever is a understatement. The car feels amazing, the ATB just makes the drive feel planted and the car almost unstoppable. Great mod!
The only issue i have is at very low rpm in a second it shunts a little bit making a strange noise but quickly disappears as the revs pick up. I don’t know if this is a result of the ATB itself or whats going on. It doesn’t really concern me but it wasn’t doing this before the ATB.
Anyway love this mod and highly recommend it.
Hamish Wells –
central ATB in Defender PumA 90
Installed the central ATB after parts of the rover spider gear thrust washers turned up in the oil along with excessive driveline play. The Ashcroft central ATB has eliminated the excessive driveline play/backlash, we now have much smoother gear changes with the MT82 box, improved on road handling, quieter running, improved off road traction. In short the install has totally transformed the vehicle, every Defender should have one
George Steel –
Excellent service
Ordered on a Monday and delivered to my door in Australia on the following Friday. Will be installing on the next service along with the MT-82 wet output shaft. The improvement will be well worth it.
danilo –
Perfetto!!!
RRC 200 TDi I just replaced the BW with the LTA230 28D whit ATB…that was what was needed!!! absolute perfection at the wheel. practically indispensable especially for those who have BW.never again no problem. Molto bene!!! finalmente una Range degna di tal nome. GRAZIE!
James –
Every LR should have one
This is the second one that I’ve fitted – LR should have fitted these as standard. I now have zero backlash in my MY13 90 – its a pleasure to drive and I now feel connected to the road again.
Works a treat on gravel roads out in Australia.
Thanks Dave! Top bit of kit.
David Mills –
ATB LT230 CENTRE DIFF
Had the ATB in for some years now. I have a very tricked td5 defender with around 200hp at the flywheel. Have towed a 23 ft caravan for 12000km. I find it amazing on gravel roads at silly speeds-when the rear let’s go drive transfers to the front axle and stabilizes the vehicle. Overall safety factor has increased a lot and there have been 0 problems. I do run increased oil capacity and use Castrol Syntrax 80/140 fully synthetic oil as the standard oil viscosity is not adequate for our hot weather in oz with extended towing and heavy work.
Trevor Kent –
ATB Diff when Braking
I don’t see any mention of the benefit when braking. I run it on a 2 door RR. It is great for pulling in loose sand or mud but also improves braking particularly giving confidence when descending at high angles on loose surfaces with no ABS.
Matthew Develin –
Fitted a few of these now for myself and others fantastic upgrade wouldn’t fit a standard back in my own great off-road and fast road
Spencer Whitney (verified owner) –
Installed right before a prolonged snow/ice storm here in Canada. What a massive difference this makes, especially on packed snow and where you might actually get traction out of some snow and less on ice. Along with new snow tires the ATB made my Defender handle like it was on dry pavement. This would also be perfect for D2s without the diff lock mechanism, you’d never need to worry about the expense of adding it!
Also went on a 3000 mile trip straight after install, and never once had to engage diff lock – even on snowy mountain passes, rocky trails, etc…
GREGORY FENECH (verified owner) –
Lovely piece of kit, amazing difference over the standard unit. There is No loose play at all and the drive feels so tight. Top Marks.
stefanschmied (verified owner) –
Ashcroft sales is very helpful in sorting out questions. Quick delivery.. The AATB looks like a piece of solid engineering. I did the disasemly of the regular differential after the watchers transformed to pieces. Both disassembly and assembly need special tools, like puller, dial gauge etc. and is 2nd level of repair works, but can be done from “skilled lays” if no workshop is available After first test ride no more “clonk” noise there. Nice!
Jason Harris (verified owner) –
I fit quite a few of these.. easily the best upgrade you can make to your lt230.