John Morrison Posted August 14, 2016 Report Share Posted August 14, 2016 (edited) So a number of recent threads on the forum, mine included, show that some of us are busy lugging gearboxes in and out of our cars for whatever reason. Anybody who has done this knows it is hard work, it is not the simple task other cars can be, I can remember changing the clutch in my dads corsair single handedly lying underneath with the box on my chest. Hillman imps god luv 'em simply needed a trolley jack under the transaxle and twenty minutes spannering, and everything was all over the drive. Not so TR's! With this in mind, and having fought one such operation for quite some time, I built a crane. Not my original idea this, but it has been refined over the years, and can now make G/B with O/D removal, a simlpe safe one man operation. It works just like an engine crane but is low enough to reach in under the heater unit and collect the box, doing all the work. Not suggesting that every Tr owner should build one, but it is a thought for say one in each active local group, any one wants the details - just ask. John. Edited August 14, 2016 by john Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Very nice John, when I removed my TR6 tranny some years ago I saw similar cranes but in the end persuaded my neighbor to come over and help. Does that crane break down easily for storage ? Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ctc77965o Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 As a poor TR4A owning student I have done: Drive to workshop extract gearbox Strip mainshaft & fit new syncros Reassemble Refit gearbox Drive home In one day....i was bloody knackered and covered in oil by the end of it...but it's possible...no crane..just a nice dry workshop.. Plus Barry Carter (on here sometimes) making the tea. There's certainly a knack to refitting the box, if the clutch hasnt been disturbed it's easier....but force & determination help. Somewhere on the webtube there's a video of the jaguar factory showing engine & gearbox assembly...it's interesting because they have a hoist to swing the gearbox into place, but once the primary shaft is located they remove the hoist and leave it dangling from the engine on just the primary before starting to bolt it up...so often I guess we are more delicate than the factory was when slapping this stuff together... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 (edited) I guess in the factory the gearbox and engine were put into the car as a single unit with minimal thought given at the design stage to clutch changes or taking the box in and out. Would an engine crane do the job? Edited August 15, 2016 by andymoltu Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 I guess in the factory the gearbox an engine were put into the car as a single unit with minimal thought given at the design stage to clutch changes or taking the box in and out. Would an engine crane do the job? If you look at any of the factory films of the Triumph TR assembly lines the engine and box was already fitted to the chassis and the body then just dropped down over it. Engine crane is too high in the rear section to go under the dash but can be utilised to help a bit. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Larnder Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Hi John I would like those details please. I will send you a P.M. with my e mail address. Thanks Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Hillman imps god luv 'em simply needed a trolley jack under the transaxle and twenty minutes spannering, and everything was all over the drive. Twenty minutes? Is that including a tea break? Pete (recovering Imp addict) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Pete, trying not to show off! Once did it twice in an afternoon to silence a very troublesome spigot bush! Stan - yes it dismantles flat and hangs on the garage wall. A number of folks have PM 'd me for details, at the moment they are in the old grey matter, give me a couple of days and I will get some stuff down on paper and shipped out to one and all. John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Hubball Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 John Why not write an article for TR Action with sketches and dimensions so we can all benefit. Cheers Chris. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 I can remember changing the clutch in my dads corsair . Ah yes, the Ford Pubic. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fremont Posted August 15, 2016 Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Nice rig, John. Sure saves fiddling with cardboard, 2x4s and what-not. The box with O/D weighs 100 lbs. I've always managed alone but look forward to it less and less with age. One of mine leaks quite a lot and it seems the engine's rear seal does too, so I'm in for another round sooner or later. If doing 2X in a row I'd be quicker with such recent practice. 20 minutes out is PDQ. Cheers, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2016 Tom the 20 minutes out wasn't a TR, but you won't believe how straightforward this crane makes the job. John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Smith Posted August 17, 2016 Report Share Posted August 17, 2016 So a number of recent threads on the forum, mine included, show that some of us are busy lugging gearboxes in and out of our cars for whatever reason. Anybody who has done this knows it is hard work, it is not the simple task other cars can be, I can remember changing the clutch in my dads corsair single handedly lying underneath with the box on my chest. Hillman imps god luv 'em simply needed a trolley jack under the transaxle and twenty minutes spannering, and everything was all over the drive. Not so TR's! With this in mind, and having fought one such operation for quite some time, I built a crane. Not my original idea this, but it has been refined over the years, and can now make G/B with O/D removal, a simlpe safe one man operation. It works just like an engine crane but is low enough to reach in under the heater unit and collect the box, doing all the work. Not suggesting that every Tr owner should build one, but it is a thought for say one in each active local group, any one wants the details - just ask. John. Like it John! Looking forward to seeing the drawings and measurements - a bit too late for me as I'm refitting the gearbox and OD on Sat after Pete Cox worked his magic today - but as Pete say the proof of the pudding etc etc........................fingers crossed! Cheers Andrew Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted August 17, 2016 Report Share Posted August 17, 2016 Andrew Don't forget the cable tie goodnight Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 Good luck Andrew - watch the back, knees, shoulder etc. john. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 (edited) For those who asked for details of the crane, apologies but it took about as long to write the info as it did to build the crane, be out to one and all over the weekend. Stan, The crane dismantled for storage. John. Edited August 19, 2016 by john Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cp25616 Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 Andrew sounds like you have decided that the O/D way is better then? Cheers Alan Graham Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Smith Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 Good luck Andrew - watch the back, knees, shoulder etc. john. Thanks John, but got help tomorrow. Andrew sounds like you have decided that the O/D way is better then? Cheers Alan Graham Alan, No, this is not the TR6's gearbox (staying non-OD) - this is the 3A's, see: http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/59023-note-to-self/ Cheers Andrew Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iain Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 John, I too would appreciate a copy of the design. I have done this job a few times through the car and have to say its one I relish less and less! Cheers Iain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 OK Guys, so some have received the crane info, and some emails have come back to me saying 'File too large' Leave this with me. John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
boxofbits Posted August 20, 2016 Report Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) So a number of recent threads on the forum, mine included, show that some of us are busy lugging gearboxes in and out of our cars for whatever reason. Anybody who has done this knows it is hard work, it is not the simple task other cars can be, I can remember changing the clutch in my dads corsair single handedly lying underneath with the box on my chest. /img]John. Hi John I remember doing something very similar, but with my Dad's V4 Capri. T'was a Sunday morning in 1974 and I had promised him I'd do his clutch. However the night before I unexpectedly met up with some friends and we were out and about 'til 4:00 am. He was banging on my door at 8:00 am. I didn't feel great under that car. With the gearbox lift, I always find the worst bit, and when you really need weight support the most is the final 3" or so when the blighter doesn't want to go in! Kevin Edited August 20, 2016 by boxofbits Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted August 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2016 Update;- Yougest son has done something with my 20.2Meg? file so I should now be able to ship on to one and all! I know this has got a bit long winded but Computers aint my bag. IF any of you who have requested the gen, haven't received it by this evening, PLEASE Pm me and I will address. John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR NIALL Posted August 20, 2016 Report Share Posted August 20, 2016 Update;- Yougest son has done something with my 20.2Meg? file so I should now be able to ship on to one and all! I know this has got a bit long winded but Computers aint my bag. IF any of you who have requested the gen, haven't received it by this evening, PLEASE Pm me and I will address. John. Hi John,I received mine and an Exellent Job you made of the Files,Thanks Muchly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AndyR100 Posted August 20, 2016 Report Share Posted August 20, 2016 Many thanks John, great write-up! Cheers, Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marc R Posted August 20, 2016 Report Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) Hi John, very interesting crane, I send you also a PM Regards Edited August 20, 2016 by Marc R Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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