Ford gearbox

[Blaketon]

I am about to rectify the pig's ear Wares made of the five speed installation in my car, which mainly concern the clutch. However, whilst at it, shorter remotes are now available for the Ford box, plus drain plugs are now an option, so the gearbox is coming out too.

I've not removed this type of box before but unlike my Midget 1500 and the BGT V8, there is no flange on the back of the box and the universal joint is part of the gearbox output shaft. Clearly that will need to come out and I expect some oil will drain out. If I can get it out before removing the box, that will be better and I am hoping there is room to remove it past the rear axle. Question is, are there any circlips etc, to be removed before the output shaft can be removed from the gearbox?

[philthehill]

No circlips. the UJ and output shaft just pulls out of the rear of the gearbox.

[Blaketon]

Many thanks.

[Blaketon]

Had a bit of spare time today, so disconnected the clutch slave cylinder and the prop shaft came out very easily (Easier than on a Midget), so I think that's the last thing to disconnect before the engine comes out.

[Blaketon]

It's all ready for loosening and lifting this weekend. I was thinking put a piece of 2 X 2, to support the gearbox and remove the mountings. Then support on a trolley jack (Remove the 2 X 2), which can roll forward as the engine is lifted and once sufficiently far, the gearbox will simply be raised clear too. I have a tilting device, which I've not used before.

I imagine this will be one of the easier engine removals, compared with MG Midgets and some FWD cars; I think the only easier one would have been a mid engined racing car, where all the bodywork could be removed from around the engine. I've offered up the new manifold (Same pattern as used on Mini Cooper S, as opposed to Midget) and carbs, before I remove the engine and it looks like it will be OK.