gearbox side removal

[steveobes]

Has anyone out there actualy done this before i start cutting cross member out. few things i need to know. thanks. steve

[Metalman]

No, but i'd like to know how you get on as i want to fit a LSD at some point so i'll be watching this space!

[caccobra]

TurboHoses in the US does it routinely now.

http://www.nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=2753&a...

[steveobes]

already started to take out box, but still having second thoughts about if this box is coming out, seems bloody tight to me,spoke to bernard via email and hes put me on to someone whos taken one out.

[Owd Twat]

Hi Steve, I've just had the job done on my chassis. I can't believe how 'nice and shiny' the American cars are - don't have to cope with the st weather over here! This is a snap of the work - hope it's the right strut that's been made removeable.

[Gadgeroonie]

very neat solution !

[spraysystems]

had mine done this way,a mate of mine did it for me
he had the gearbox out in less than 90 mins

[bernhund]

My bar was welded back in after gearbox work. Didn't go for the quick release option as I wasn't confident in the bolt at each end being permanantly strong enough.

[Jim O.]

I've done a number of cars this way. The replacement cross bar that we fabricate uses multiple bolts per side, so it stays rigid in both tension/compression and in side load. A little more difficult to fit and fabricate, and requires reinforcement of the chassis at the mounting points. However, it retains the rigidity and strength of the existing welded-in bar...

BTW, one reason that the cars in the pictures of our shop are so clean is that if the car is really dirty, we usually clean the engine compartment before we start. Makes it a lot easier to spot leaks, etc. Also, makes it a lot more pleasant to do the work - it's not a lot of fun ending up caked in filth after working on a car...

[andrewr]

Jim,

can you post some pictures of the replacement bar so that we can copy or can you send the fabricated parts to the UK?

Thanks

[Jim O.]

Sorry, I don't have any pictures. We may be able to supply prefab bars, but the fitment is fairly critical, so some fabrication work will be necessary on your side to complete the installation. Contact Hoover at Turbohoses for more information.

[steveobes]

spoke to the guy that took out bernhunds box out and he said that he had to cut at least two members out to get box out.as u look from box side the section bottom right seems to be in the way as well, giving u only half inch to bring box forward. u must have too move engine up and towards front to clear. are uk chassis the same as the states.has anyone else come across this?

[steveobes]

Hi Bernie, thanks for the pic. did you just have bar done or did you take box out as well?

[Owd Twat]

Hi Steve, no - just had the mod carried out whilst corroded chassis was being repaired.

[Jim O.]

steveobes said:

spoke to the guy that took out bernhunds box out and he said that he had to cut at least two members out to get box out.as u look from box side the section bottom right seems to be in the way as well, giving u only half inch to bring box forward. u must have too move engine up and towards front to clear. are uk chassis the same as the states.has anyone else come across this?

I've only had to cut out one bar in the cars that I've done. If you look closely at the pictures in the link that Caccobra posted, you can see a floor jack supporting the engine. You can lift the engine a little, but if you go too far, the rear turbo hits the frame of the car. You don't have to pull the box out too far - once it clears the dowel pins, you can rotate it and get more room.

[steveobes]

Thanks Jim,
Just needed confirmation on box removal as i was getting mixed info on what i need to cut out. many thanks steve

[mr2turbo300]

Just a thought gents, but wondered whether the 5 and 6 speed boxes were physically the same size or not ? I guess that the US market only every had the 6 speed, but some of the cars in this thread would have had 5 speed(mine included)
Anybody know, or have definely done this with one bar removed on a 5 speed?
Cheers,
Rob.

[Jim O.]

I've installed a 5-speed gearbox through the side, but haven't removed one. The 5-speed was a little more difficult to install - the fit was a bit tighter, but it eventually went in. Which means that removal might be a little trickier...

You could also remove the water pump, which will allow you to rotate the gearbox a bit more. Or you can remove the rear turbo and I/C box, which will allow you to jack up the engine a little more (you may have to undo the front and side motor mounts, too) to get a little more room.

Edited by Jim O. on Saturday 13th June 02:07

[mr2turbo300]

Jim O. said:

I've installed a 5-speed gearbox through the side, but haven't removed one. The 5-speed was a little more difficult to install - the fit was a bit tighter, but it eventually went in. Which means that removal might be a little trickier...

You could also remove the water pump, which will allow you to rotate the gearbox a bit more. Or you can remove the rear turbo and I/C box, which will allow you to jack up the engine a little more (you may have to undo the front and side motor mounts, too) to get a little more room.

Edited by Jim O. on Saturday 13th June 02:07

Jim - Thanks for the useful input
Rob.

[steveobes]

Just got 5 speed box out this morning,will post pics later. Took cross member out, both drive shalfs. Jack engine up slightly, and with a couple of jemmy bars and a bit of wiggling pulled the box out. I must say that its not a easy job,some of the bolts holding the suspension and gearbox are hard to get out, but if i done it,and im only a chippy,cant be that hard.
Just need to decide who to take box to,Bernie the gearbox man or Road and Race