McMuttley Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 So far as I can tell, there is no reason why I cannot put the above in a 3A ? With the std straight lever, apart from punching the dash, I also turn the stereo on/off with each gear change. There seem to be two types, 131507 and 143624. Apart from minor dimension differences, is there any other meaningful difference. I assume that as a matter of best practice, I should change the anti rattle spring and lever. Is this a job a muppet like me can undertake without screwing up ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) Without looking up the part numbers there are two types of lever used on the 4/4A,5,6. One (4 I think) has a hole right through the ball which takes a through bolt on the gearbox top cover spring and cap to hold it in place. The other type has grooves machined in the ball into which lock-nutted studs protrude to locate the lever and provide some adjustment for the left/right travel of the lever. Edited February 1, 2016 by peejay4A Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) One Register member I know has a 3A which is fitted with a 4/4/A cranked gearlever and it works. I'm not sure if his car is fitted with a 4/4/A gearbox though? Tom. PS: Afterthought ~ I don't think there's much difference in the gearboxes? Edited February 1, 2016 by Fireman049 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
james christie Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Oh yes there is - a diiference. The front flange on the 4 box is thicker and maybe a few other things besides such that it is well nigh impossible to fit it to a 2 or 3 without serious fettling of the mountings - if you force things hard with podger bars etc you'll find the engine fan poking into the suspension cross bar. Don't ask me how I know. - 46 years of experience I suppose James Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 how do I know what gearbox I have ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Do you have first gear synchromesh? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
david ferry Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) To fit a thicker flange 4 synchro A type TR gearbox to a sidescreen car, all that is needed is the later type of rear mounting plate that bolts into the chassis and onto which the gearbox mounts. These are used from the TR3B onwards up until the introduction of the J type overdrive on the CR series of TR6. Consequently, if needed, you shouldn't have any problem finding one. Synchro on first gear is the easiest clue. A sidescreen thin flange gearbox only has synchro on second, third and top gear. Bell housing flange thickness will tell you a lot as will the numbers stamped onto the case. Sadly, both of these will involve getting under the car so syncro on first is the simplest method of answering your question. However, all of this is somewhat irrelevant as you are only changing your gearlever, not your gearbox. So, returning to your gearlever, you will be able to fit a cranked TR4 onwards gearlever to your gearbox. If you want to buy one, I have some spares - just get in touch. David Edited February 1, 2016 by david ferry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 My 1960 3A is fitted with a four synchro. gearbox and straight lever. Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 synch on 2,3,4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
david ferry Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Austin & Tom, You can fit a straight or cranked lever to either type of gearbox, as is clearly the case. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Hi David, interested in your spare lever (does it come fitted?) ???? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
david ferry Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Austin, That'll be down to your postie's spannering skills!! David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Austin, I'm not convinced that fitting the bent gear lever is going to alleviate your problem. The geometry will conspire against you. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 ? I wonder even with the bent gearstick if your hand will still hit the radio buttons in 1st and 3rd. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Only if he's got gorilla paws and damn big buttons on the radio . . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 (edited) The radio is set back a little, but as it isn't screwed down, it tends to slide forwards. I do need to take the tunnel insulation out from immediately underneath too in order that it can sit a little lower - is it also clashes with the heater vents ! Edited February 2, 2016 by McMuttley Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Is that a handbrake lever sticking up from the bottom of photo in a TR3A ???? Bob. (Puzzled) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 yup, no more straining against the seat belt to operate nor burned calf muscle ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMuttley Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 yup, no more straining against the seat belt to operate nor burned calf muscle ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Now then, what was that about short arms East of The Pennines . . . . . ?? Mine's a pint . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PhilipB Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 (edited) Radio?? I suppose there's a heater as well . . . . . ah, yes, it has . . Phil Edited February 3, 2016 by PhilipB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bobbie Posted February 6, 2016 Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Had the same issues, removed gear-lever, clamped locating end in vice, using blow torch heated until cherry red, used extension pipe, bit of 22mm copper from memory to bend to angle and direction of my choice. Didn't crack the chrome, worked for me. Regards Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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