Wedge gearbox

[cello297]

Want to change to 5 speed gearbox (Ford Type 9?). Can anyone advise on:
1/ I understand that the 5 speed box is horter than the 4 speed. Is this true and if so how can I overcome the problem?
2/ Is it right that there are different lengths of driveshaft? If so how can I be sure of getting the right one?
3/ Is there a choice of splines?
Looking forward to your help. Thanks, Shane
07989 211738

[Comadis]

the 5-speed box has a differnt fixing point to the chassis. the gear stick is in a differnt position. standard t9 box from 4cylinder has a differnt length of input shaft, also differnt diameter of shaft end (pilot bearing), so watch out what you buy.

the 4-speed box is much more "crisp" in the gearchanges than a T9.

[cello297]

Thanks Comadis, Points well taken. It looks as if I will be staying with the 4 speed!

[MJG280]

Here is roughly what I posted previously. This was discussed last year

My 4 speed to 5 speed was perfectly straight forward with the gearbox mountings fitting directly. The gearlever was a bit further back than the 4 speed but only millimetres and a shave of fibreglass fixed that. The nut? that holds the speedo cable is different and so the cable is now jammed in and the cable is cabletied to the chassis. The big difference is that the V6 5speed input shaft is longer than 4 cylinder 5 speeds. So a V6 gearbox has to be sourced unless you have an input shaft and can take a gearbox apart

The combination of 5th gear and the standard differential means that 5th is definitely a cruising gear

[cello297]

Oh Lord, another re-think. I'd like to run with the 5-speed for longer runs but could go with the 4-speed if necessary. Is the gear-change really that bad on the 5-speed?
Thanks for the help,
Shane

Edited by cello297 on Monday 15th February 20:53

[Big Daft Lad]

I'm going to be doing this conversion at some point on my 280. I've already got the box. As stated above make sure you get a V6 box, usually from a 2.8i Capri or an XR4i.

The easiest way to tell if it's from a V6 car (with the longer input shaft) is if you put a straight edge over the bell housing the shaft sticks out past this.

Regarding the shift, I've used Type 9's for about 10 years in Capri's and they are fine. If you feel the need to make it crisp just bung a quick shift stick on it.

The ratios should be OK as 4th in both boxes is a 1:1 ratio with 5th being an overdrive, which is what you want for a long cruise.

[Comadis]

the gearchange isnt that bad...and the positive thing is:

you can fit a quickshift lever from rallydesign or burton for reasonable money.


but the 4-speed box is much better in this case (in my opinion)...also the 4-speed box is nearly un-destroyable...the 5-speed one isnt so tough.

[grahamw48]

I was also going to comment that the 4 speeder is reputed to be a stronger box, but apparently the later 5 speeds were made stronger than earlier ones.

I actually prefer a 4 speed in a 280...much nicer to use.