Any Ford Zodiac/Reliant Scimitar gearbox gurus?

[geeman237]

Anyone ever stripped down and rebuilt/reassembled a Ford Zodiac/Reliant Scimitar gearbox, the type with the side cover and 3 linkage levers?
My GTE won't fully engage second gear (first is fine). I have gone through just about everything and am rapidly coming to the conclusion something is wrong with the 1st/2nd gear synchro hub assembly.
I am at the decision to sell as is, ie with an intermittently operating 2nd gear or pull the engine/box (again) and try and rebuild it myself. This is made all the more challenging by me and my GTE being in the USA and no one around here is familiar with that 'box.

I am just wondering "how hard can it be....?"

[Saladin1971]

Recently had my gearbox overhauled. It was always jumping out of second gear when changing down.

It is a relatively simple gearbox and a good amateur/home mechanic can approach it with confidence.

[V8 FOU]

Nice, basic, 'box. Prone to throwing circlips which can cause things like this.

Not difficult to do, just get a good manual and also a parts list, so you can check that everything is right.

[geeman237]

Thanks for the input. It has given me the confidence to have a crack at it myself shortly. Just got a couple of other projects to get through first. Its a bloody heavy lump with the OD and bell housing attached. I have access to a transmission jack and I think I will attempt to drop it out from under the car rather than remove the engine and 'box combined.
I'll try to remember to report back on progress.

[V8 FOU]

Good man!
BUT.... be carefull re-fitting the o/d. Ask when you get near to doing this.

[geeman237]

It’s taken a while but I did it. Dropped the ‘box from underneath and wish I’d pulled the engine and ‘box together but anyway. Stripping the gearbox down wasn’t too bad. Inspecting it revealed a loose large lock which probably resulted in excessive play in the main shaft. As a precaution I replaced the 1st/2nd synchro hub assembly and all circlips. Yes I skimped on bearings and 3rd/4th synchro but they were all fine. Took it for a test drive today and all is good. Overdrive removal and replacement wasn’t too bad.