I know that the gearbox issue is a common one but I thought it might be useful to collect the information in one thread.

My gearbox is starting to get a bit hesitant at low revs when going up a slight incline and at nearly 140k on the clock it is probably a sign that the box will fail soon. Prices and quality of the work seem to vary greatly so any comments from people that have had it done would help everyone when the unfortunate incidence occurs.

So I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations of:

1. what is needed to do a proper repair,
2. which companies forum members have used and would recommend or avoid,
3. cost for the work and whether or not the repair was a good one.

At least that way anyone with the problem can find all the info they need without being ripped off. Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

Had mine refurbished late last year. having done a lot of research both on the phone and t'internet, I selected Signature Transmissions of Kettering. was pleased with the work, but they failed to clear out / clean or replace the gearbox oil cooler which caused me a heat related problem occasionally since, though now replaced cooler and no problems since.
being around 50 miles from my Leicestershire home, having no courtesy car caused a mild logistical problem. they had the car a week or so, refurbished my gearbox, though having been in contact since, they tell me they now have fully rebuilt 'boxes in stock. They give an 18 month or 18,000 mile warranty and charged me, with VAT, marginally 'south' of £2500. Overall I was confident that they knew what they were dealing with, and was generally happy with their work.
Hope this helps?

Personally if mine goes, i will try and beg/ convince RRPhil to rebuild mine.

Other than that i have had a defender (R380) gearbox rebuilt by Ashcroft’s and had no problems.

If you are going to keep it go for a sonax modded valve block. Then if the clutch plates are ok its just torque converter, bearings as necessary and oil pump to be replaced. And a new oil cooler.

Yeah but how much do ashcrofts charge

I used Midland Automatic Transmissions in Kettering. I've used them 3 times now (different cars) and their service has always been brilliant - and they don't do unecessary work.

On this car the torque convertor had just started slipping, but I noticed it very early. They replaced the tc, cleaned and tested the gearbox, flushed everything, leant me a car for the duration and charged £900.