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Roamerdrive DS-B

Roamerdrive DS-B

Suitable for use in Defender models with five-speed gearboxes

Regular price $3,850.00 AUD
Regular price Sale price $3,850.00 AUD
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The DS-B Overdrive is designed for Defender models (90, 110, 130) with five-speed gearboxes. It features modern epicyclical gear technology for smooth, quiet operation. The compact unit shares oil with the transfer case and fits easily without interfering with the vehicle’s exhaust or fittings.

Finned Transfer/Cover plate sold separately

What's Included

- Overdrive unit with a hand lever for easy engagement
- Crush washer for bearing preload
- Complete installation kit (excluding lubricating oil)
- Comprehensive installation instructions

Which models is this typically for?

The DS Overdrive has been designed to fit onto the Land Rover LT230 transfer case. It is generally compatible with the following models however compatibility depends on your specific gearbox and transfer case. Contact us for assistance if you are unsure.

- Ninety 1984 - 1990
- One Ten 1983 - 1990
- One Two Seven 1985 - 1990
- Defender 90 1991 - 2016
- Defender 110 1991 - 2016
- Defender 130 1991 - 2016

It will not fit 3.5 V8 models or vehicles with suffix A & B Transfer Cases.

Installation

Installing the DS-B Overdrive is a simple process that takes around three hours. With basic tools such as spanners, Allen keys, and a torque wrench, the overdrive unit is secured to the transfer case using the supplied bolts and gasket. The shift lever is conveniently positioned on the center console next to the Hi/Low range knob, making it easy to engage. Ensure you check and top up the transfer case oil with the recommended GL-4 gear oil after installation.

Download the full installation instructions below:

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  • ROAMERDRIVE Technology

    All Garage Therapy overdrives utilize Global Roamer Corporation’s epicyclic gear train technology, also known as planetary gears, providing strength, silent operation, and proven reliability. This technology has been used in thousands of overdrive units worldwide, making it the gold standard for performance and durability.

  • Fuel Efficiency & Reduced Engine Wear

    By reducing engine RPM, Garage Therapy overdrives help you achieve better fuel economy while minimizing wear on your engine and drivetrain components. This results in lower maintenance costs and longer-lasting engine performance.

  • Smooth, Quiet, and Reliable Performance

    Garage Therapy overdrives are designed to deliver a quieter, more comfortable driving experience by reducing engine noise and vibrations. Built to handle both on-road cruising and off-road adventures, they provide reliable performance for years to come.

  • All-Range Overdrive (Any Gear, High or Low Range)

    Garage Therapy overdrives can be engaged in any gear, including reverse, and operate in both high and low range. This makes them an ideal solution for cruising on highways or tackling challenging off-road terrain.

  • Precision Engineering

    Each overdrive is precision-engineered using the latest manufacturing techniques to ensure durability and silent operation. High-quality bearings, retaining rings, and tightly machined components guarantee that every unit performs flawlessly under demanding conditions.

  • Advanced design simulations

    Nothing was left to chance in our pursuit of the most durable LT95 overdrive gearbox. The very latest analysis software was used to accurately predict thermal load sand component stresses. What we learn here is applied in the machine shop, so you’re not stuck on a mountain trying to guess what went wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Garage Therapy Overdrives manufactured?

Our overdrives are manufactured in British Columbia, Canada and Perth, Australia. 

Which Land Rover models can use a Garage Therapy Overdrive?

Garage Therapy Overdrives fit most Series and Defender models as well as some Range Rover and Discovery models with an integrated, LT230 or LT230Q transfer case. This includes:

  • Series I, II, IIA, and III
  • Stage One V8 (including ex-military models)
  • Defender 90, 110, 127, and 130
  • Perentie (ex-Australian Army)
  • Range Rover Classic
  • Discovery 1 and 2
  • 101 Forward Control

If you’re unsure about compatibility, contact us for more details. 

What are the benefits of installing a Garage Therapy Overdrive?

Garage Therapy Overdrives reduce engine RPM by 28%, making highway driving quieter and more fuel-efficient. They also reduce engine and drivetrain wear, act as a splitter gear for better performance on hills, and improve low-range capabilities in off-road conditions like sand and desert terrain.

What is the Power Capacity of the LT95 Overdrive?

The LT95 overdrive’s power-handling capability is governed primarily by torque rather than outright power. Its planetary gear assembly is designed to manage torque levels on par with those of the LT95 main gearbox. Planetary systems distribute loads over multiple gear teeth, resulting in notable strength and durability for their size. Nevertheless, the limiting factor in overall drivetrain integrity remains the main output shaft of the gearbox.

Under high-torque conditions, lateral forces produced by the transfer gears can cause excessive main shaft deflection. This deflection leads to uneven loading across the transfer gears, potentially resulting in gear tooth surface damage and, in the case of LT95A gearboxes, may cause failure of the intermediate transfer shaft retaining bolt.

To counteract these issues, this LT95 overdrive design includes an additional main bearing on the output shaft and an extra needle roller bearing in the coupling assembly, both of which mitigate shaft flex and enhance the rigidity of the transfer gear assembly.

Despite these reinforcements, shock loading—rather than peak engine torque—remains the primary cause of drivetrain failure. Consequently, proper driving technique is crucial in preserving drivetrain longevity under off-road conditions.

Large four-cylinder diesel engines such as the Isuzu 4BD1 frequently impose higher stresses on drivetrain components than high-torque gasoline V8s, due to their non-overlapping power strokes that generate higher peak torque. Engine manufacturers partially address this by increasing flywheel and clutch assembly inertia. However, adding an aftermarket turbocharger without a corresponding increase in flywheel inertia can intensify stress on drivetrain components.

Operating Temperatures and Cooling Considerations

Aside from ultimate strength concerns, elevated operating temperatures are commonplace due to the overdrive’s position behind the engine and main gearbox, where airflow is restricted. The LT95 transfer case itself is known to operate at high temperatures, often exceeding 100°C. With increased power demands, prolonged high-speed operation, and high ambient temperatures, the additional heat generated by the overdrive can push operating temperatures beyond the design limits of standard gear oil, leading to lubrication failure.

Even installing a finned transfer case cover may be insufficient to maintain safe oil temperatures in these conditions. In such scenarios, an external oil cooling circuit is recommended. Failures resulting from lubrication breakdown are not covered under our warranty.

How does a Garage Therapy Overdrive compare to a high-ratio transfer case?

Unlike a high-ratio transfer case, a Garage Therapy Overdrive can be engaged or disengaged at any time, reducing RPM by 28% without affecting low-range performance. High-ratio transfer cases make permanent changes to your gear ratios and often reduce off-road capability. They typically reduce RPM by only 15% or less and can make it harder to climb hills or handle heavy loads. Our overdrives are also easier to install and can be moved between vehicles if needed.

How easy is it to install a Garage Therapy Overdrive?

Most owners can install the overdrive in about 3 hours using standard tools.

  • On Series models, a small hole must be drilled in the transmission tunnel for the shift lever.
  • On Defenders, installation is a bolt-in job with no modifications to the bodywork.

What about servicing and maintenance?

Garage Therapy Overdrives are designed to be low-maintenance. They use transfer case oil, so there’s no separate oil reservoir to maintain. There are no dynamic seals, minimizing leaks, and they can be disassembled with common workshop tools. Parts like bearings and synchros are standard Land Rover components, making repairs simple and affordable.

Only use API GL4 75W90 oil in the transfer. Do not use GL5 or GL4/5 oils as these are designed for hypoid gear sets and often contain additives which may be corrosive to the internal bronze components used.

What oil can I use in the transfer case?

Only use API GL4 75W90 oil in the transfer. We recommend fully synthetic oil for high temperature climates or where high loads and extended high speeds are anticipated.

Do not use GL5 or GL4/5 oils as these are designed for hypoid gear sets and often contain additives which may be corrosive to the internal bronze components used.

For a comprehensive list of oils please see this document.

Can the overdrive handle upgraded engines?

Yes. On Series vehicles, the SS model can handle popular upgrades like the 200Tdi engine. In these cases, the SX-COV transfer case oil cooler is required. On Defenders, the DS model can handle up to 380 Nm of torque. For higher power outputs, it’s essential to install the DS-COV oil cooler and monitor oil temperatures to prevent overheating.

How reliable is a Garage Therapy Overdrive for expeditions?

Garage Therapy Overdrives are highly reliable for demanding expeditions. We recommend packing a basic seal and gasket set and your original drive gear and cover in your spares kit. Failures are extremely rare, but seal kits are available from our distributors if needed.

How does the shift mechanism work?

The shift mechanism is fully mechanical and easy to use.

  • To engage: Press the clutch and move the lever forward.
  • To disengage: Press the clutch and move the lever back.

The lever is mounted on the transmission tunnel for easy access.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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Peter
I am mightily pleased with it!

I Have recently fitted your Roamerdrive to my Land Rover and just wanted to say that I am mightily pleased with it! The service from Rocky Mountain Spares here in the UK is first class. They are really friendly and will help with any kind of queries involved in self-fitting the overdrive.

I had a Fairey overdrive in an earlier Range Rover and was constantly plagued by oil leaks and noisy linkages. Your product has none of these problems – so, thank you very much!”

A
Andy
the Roamerdrive worked perfectly

We just returned from our Rubicon trip. When installed as per your design, the Roamerdrive worked perfectly every shift every time in both high and low ranges

N
Neil
Your ROAMERDRIVE was just what we needed

Defender 1995 300Tdi, on our Cape York, Australia trip last year. Your ROAMERDRIVE was just what we needed for the long highway runs we had to do en route from and to the Gold Coast.
Have highly recommended it to all my mates in the local Land Rover Club.

J
Jim
The overdrive came into its own

Just back from Peking to Paris car rally.

The overdrive came into its own especially in Turkey. With all the very cheap fuel from Iran at $5 for 130 litres then $2.4 for 1 litre in Turkey. Turkey is a big country to cross with fuel prices like that. We did not buy any fuel in Turkey.

This was a ten thousand mile trip done in 36 days. Some long desert days, pot-holed roads and a drop of good asphalt.

Using the Roamerdrive made it much more bearable noise-wise as it kept the revs down and used less fuel. It is nice to know you are not working the engine so hard.

Overall very impressed and would recommend this unit to anyone. Many thanks.

A
AP
The overdrive is nothing short of amazing!

"The overdrive is nothing short of amazing! I feel like I got my old Defender back. When I changed to a larger tire size and changed the diff gears to 4:43, I felt, in some way, like I ruined a perfectly good Defender and was not at all happy to be stuck driving in the slow lane with the motor revving at such high rpms; although I loved the look of the larger tires. Now it has its former highway ability back and the added gear shift lever makes excellent fodder for enthusiast conversation. Super cool device and I am really glad this thing exists!!"