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| Joined: | 04-07-2022 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 119 |
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No pictures of Rusty for this update. Sorry.
I have installed the 5 speed gearbox. Woo-hoo!
I chose to do this separate from the engine because in the past I have had a very difficult time maneuvering the engine/gearbox combo into the car without scratching the engine bay paint or pranging some sheet metal. Putting these in as separate units has made it easier (for me at least) to avoid damaging something.
I jacked the car up using my floor jack, and put the car on four jack stands. You need some fairly tall ones, as I needed 21 inches ground clearance to slide the transmission under the car. I used a hoist to lift the front of the car a couple more inches (my jack stands were not quite tall enough).
I used a cheapie cargo strap from the hardware store ($6) to secure the gearbox to my floor jack, rolled it under the car and the lowered the car back onto the jack stands (no, I did not get under the car until it was secure on the jack stands). Then I carefully jacked the gearbox up, wiggling and tugging until it was aligned with the engine and pushed it forward. The last inch was closed by installing a couple of bell housing bolts and tightening, being careful not to use very much force to tighten the bolts. If the gearbox is misaligned you can crack the bell housing by using too much force on the bolts. The gearbox slowly and smoothly slid into place.
I slotted the bolt holes in the 4 speed gearbox support with my Dremel and it mated up nicely with the five speed. The gearbox mounting bolts for the 5 speed are slightly closer together than the 4 speed support, hence the need to slot the bolt holes.
I need to attach the shifter extension, and drill a hole in the tunnel for the shifter extension support.
Since the last update I have also installed the cooling fan, and done some engine bay wiring. Still need to install the carbs, airbox, alternator, radiator, etc.
In other news, the Triumph TR8 has been put away for the winter, and I pulled the brake booster and sent it off to be rebuilt. The booster quit about halfway through summer (it is the original 45 year old unit). I kept driving the car, but my right thigh is now twice the size of my left since the pedal force required to stop the car went way up. =:-o
I hope to have Rusty on the road in the spring. Fingers crossed!
Vance