Engine/gearbox alignment HELP!

Hi there,

I've just swopped out my gearbox for a supposed good one (we shall see). It was tough but I have had a few issues with the gearbox after putting it all back together.

When I put the tunnel back on, it was evident that the gearbox was not straight in the car. The gear lever was a noticeable way over to the passenger side. When I checked the gearbox mounts and engine mounts they looked squifedf a little bit



This is the engine mount, I take it it should be in line with the bracket on the chassis? Looking at it now, it looks off and the props are a bit angled. I should have noticed but didn't until the end unfortunately. Is there a way to shimmy it all back if I undo/loosen the gearbox mounts? I reckon it only needs a bit as looking at the gearbox mounts they are slightly off (maybe 15mm). Stupid error, I think it was because we jacked up the engine quite high to fit the box (what a mare).

Another issue was that I couldn't get 3rd or 4th on test driving around the block. After stopping they suddenly became selectable again, then I drove off and all of a sudden it was back to not being able to physically engage either gear. After faffing for ages they came back and it drove ok for another 10 mins, both selectable. I tried them again after stopping and they were still ok. Strange.

Could this be linked to my squiffed gearbox and engine or have I just got a duff gearbox? I felt physically sick when it wouldnt go in gear, I was so gutted.

I would really appreciate any advice on this. I'm knackered and covered in oil. Still, at least it didnt rain.

are the mounting plates on gear box on the right sides ,unless all 3 of the selector jaws are inline gears wont select

jamesmartin said:

are the mounting plates on gear box on the right sides ,unless all 3 of the selector jaws are inline gears wont select

Click to expand...

Hi James, yes they appear to be correct sides. Is it just a case that they are a mirror image of each other for left and right sides? Or are they different shapes but can be fitted on either side? The gearbox mount and chassis mount are not quite in line with each other and looking at it now, its pointing the box towards the rear passenger side of the car! Surely I have to try and re-align it somehow? What do you reckon?

What may cause the selector jaws to not line up? The box has been sat for several months with no oil in it, would it just be a case of it needing freeing up?

Thanks for replying James.

gear box mount plates are diferent ,rubber mounts are the same ,lack of use and oil,weak detent springs or dry balls

Hi James, yes the plates are on the correct sides, the rubber feet were the only bits I took off/on.

Can I loosen the rubber mounts to chassis bolts a bit and try and straighten it do you think? Maybe use a bottle jack to push the box over a few cm towards the drivers side?

Thanks again for your help

Al

And check to see if the engine mounts are damaged. Are you using your mounting plates and mounts or the ones that came with the gearbox?

You realise that the mounts will have been squashed down over the years to an angle, therefor if you put the mounts on in the wrong orientation as to before they wont sit right


Its why I'm using new mounts on mine for everything

Thanks all. I used my old rubber mounts and the metal wingtype brackets from the newer box . i have a feeling what may have happened is the engine got bashed out of line. My dad let the box down too quickly and smashed it onto the chassis and may have knocked the engine on that side.
Ill check out new mounts for box and engine and that may help bring it in line.
Looking at the box, its fitted even and flush to the motor, the box gear lever is about5-8cm over towards pass seat and the prop is now a little angled at rear. So it appwars that the motor is out of line.

Is it a hard job ( engine/box out) to do the mounts or can i just hold them on the crane and replace?i guess it would require clutch slave etc removing again?
thanks again
Al

Dr_evil said:

You realise that the mounts will have been squashed down over the years to an angle, therefor if you put the mounts on in the wrong orientation as to before they wont sit right


Its why I'm using new mounts on mine for everything

Click to expand...

Sorry i get it now, i may have mixed up old rubber mounts and they could have been different heights

Update: Right, I've stopped having a brain freeze and yes you are all correct, it looks like I have put the gearbox mountings on the wrong sides. The mountings I took off comprised a metal bracket like this
http://www.lrseries.com/shop/product/listing/11976/1/4/272501-MOUNTING-BRACKET-REAR-RH.html
and a rubber bit inside. As you said James, the rubber is universal but the metal bit is LH or RH (Sorry I thought you meant the 'wing' bits on the main box at each side). I didn't know this so it stands to reason that I have them the wrong way round. What a dope. Is there a marking on them to denote which side they are?

Check this out, exactly what I have done
http://www.landroveraddict.com/forums/thread.cfm?threadID=23915

Hangs head in shame.....................