kenrobinson Posted June 2, 2008 Report Share Posted June 2, 2008 Hello Everyone, Im sure this subject has been covered before, but searching the forum has not actually answered my queries, so I throw myself on the mercy of the furum-istas! I have a lovely unmolested 1962 TR4 which has been re-imorted back from America and has a truly outstanding body and chassis. I am currently recommissioning it as the rest of the car has suffered at the hands of a mechanic who apparently could not source the right parts, but made a failry good job with what he'd got. Anyway, we need to do something with the gearbox as it rattles violently on acceleration through the gears (the current cure being to keep my hand on the knob until I have reached cruising speed) in addition 3rd is very difficult to engage both going up and down the box. It is a standard speed box with no overdrive. I would like to fit an overdrive gearbox and would welcome any help and advice from members about sourcing such an item. I have also heard of a five speed box which is available. Has anyone any experience of them? And finally, what is the best way to get the gearbox out and back in again? All help and suggestions welcome. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rhodri Posted June 2, 2008 Report Share Posted June 2, 2008 (edited) As your car is so original, I would opt for an original box with A type overdrive. However, one of the five speed kits uses a type 9 Ford Sierra box and, I believe, no irreversible modifications are needed to fit it, and it may well be cheaper, the name Hi-Gear springs to mind. The Toyota conversion is a lot more expensive, I think. The gearbox normally comes out from the inside the cockpit, the way I took mine out, but I guess that it could come out with the engine at the front of the car. Just my tuppence worth.... Edited June 2, 2008 by Rhodri Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ade-TR4 Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 (edited) Hi ken, I would personnally go for an A-Type Overdrive. Why go for a 5 speed box when you could have 7?!!! The box comes out, as Rhodri says, via the interior, which means it's a seats out, lower dash out kind of affair. A bit of a PITA the first time you do it, you should be able to remove a non-OD box on your own, fitting an OD-box is usually a 2 person job, unless you're Geoff Capes. The proper OD-box will add value to your car as well. Cheers Ade Edited June 3, 2008 by Ade-TR4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bald Rick Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 Ken In my experience a good place to try for an A type overdrive box is Overdrive Repair Services near Sheffield. They do rebuilds and upgrades and all sorts and are usually very competitively priced. I'm pretty sure they do work for most of the TR specialist garages. The guy who runs it is called Peter and really knows his stuff about overdrives. Well worth a call. Tony Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blgdave Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 Everything you need is right here chap... http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/rimmer/triumph/tr4/gearbox If its a type9 box you are after then there are lots of companies that make straight cut kits for these, quaife and tran-x being about the best two. They are relatively cheap to get made up and ten a penny if its just a normal 5 speed you were wanting. But as posted I would keep it orginal and fit the OD kit like Rimmers supply. Cheers Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR 2100 Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 Hi Ken, Welcome to TR4 ownership. I have an early '62 4 (well, two of them) As with so many things, overdrive comes back partly/largely to money. A type overdrives, correct for the car, are expensive, and for a good reason - they add so much to the enjoyment of the car. That being said, if you have your non-OD box rebuilt properly, even that will transform the car and add so much to your enjoyment. My feeling is that you will always hanker after overdrive and, if your body and chassis are really so sound, spend the money you have saved on an overdrive. AlanR Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 My overdrive relay packed-up on the Prescott weekend and, boy, did I miss it! A TR without overdrive is like strawberries without cream. The delight of seven gears and instantaneous clutchless changes to/from overdrive are things which put TR motoring ahead of almost any other sports car experience. And, yes, it will add value to your car and it will save fuel - that cannot be a bad deal. Go for it! Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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