Converting to overdrive gearbox

Clutch, Gearbox, Overdrive, Propshaft, Differential, Drive Shafts, Hubs.
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canberra triumph
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Converting to overdrive gearbox

#1 Post by canberra triumph »

Hi all, I currently have a bog standard manual 4 speed gearbox in the 2500, and have a chance of picking up an overdrive gearbox. Is it a simple matter of removing the old & bolting up the new, or is it a bit trickier than this?
Simon
Mount Gambier Australia
1976 2500TC - Jolly Green Giant
Another Green 1976 TC, auto this time, as a project
1976? Spitfire - Little Red
tony
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#2 Post by tony »

Hi Simon, from NZ. same bell housing etc.You'll have to wire it up of course but no big job.
There are 4 spacers which fit between the floor pan and the gearbox crossmenber,Try and get them with the gearbox if you can. If not and you can't find any I can give you the demensions ,they could be made fairly easily, The mounting plates which go through the floor with the threaded parts which hold the gearbox up will probably also be too short with the longer spacers. Again ,if you can try and get them with the 'box.
While you've got the 'box out you may want to think about replacing the clutch unless you know it's a good one. The o/d gearbox is b.....y heavy. You don't want to take it out again!!
1976 2500 TC. converted to S specs.

Lots of bits

1999 BMW Z3.
2006 BMW 325ti.
Hopefully not needing too many bits.




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TedTaylor
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#3 Post by TedTaylor »

If you were in the UK I would suggest uprated studs/spacers from CW but probably not cost effective from Australia.

'A' type overderive uses a relay. 'J' type does not though personally I would wire in a relay anyway to take the switching load off the gear lever switch contacts.

Ted
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Mike Stevens
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#4 Post by Mike Stevens »

The spacers are only needed if you're fitting a 'J' type overdrive box. An 'A' type uses the same rear mounting system as manual with no overdrive.

As already said, apart from wiring, it's all a nut and bolt job. Heavy though!

Cheers,
Mike.
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Alec
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#5 Post by Alec »

Hello Simon,

also, do try and get the gear lever with the switch (Mounted in the gear lever knob if you are not aware of that) with the gearbox.

Alec
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#6 Post by Mike Stevens »

Alec wrote:gear lever with the switch
Oops, I forgot that bit. Very poor, especially considering I changed the gearlever on the PI only the other day!

Cheers,
Mike.
(South Oxfordshire)
Register Member No 0355
1971 2.5PI Saloon Sapphire blue
1973 2.5PI Saloon rust some Honeysuckle
1973 Stag French blue
(1949 LandRover which is now back to its original light green!)
canberra triumph
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#7 Post by canberra triumph »

Thanks for all info, will be very useful when (if) I manage to get the gearbox :)
Simon
Mount Gambier Australia
1976 2500TC - Jolly Green Giant
Another Green 1976 TC, auto this time, as a project
1976? Spitfire - Little Red
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Re: Converting to overdrive gearbox

#8 Post by andy harrison »

...finally, don't forget the speedo cable is longer for the overdrive gearbox ... Andy
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