I consider myself a competent DIY mechanic. Over 40+ years I have replaced clutches, gearboxes, cylinder heads etc although not all on landrovers.
I have 1996 Defender 90 300tdi. The clutch fork failed; fortunately in my drive but thats where the luck ran out. After being quoted £££ to replace I decided to tackle myself. I have never had so many seized bolts to undo. Gearbox still in vehicle resting on cross member and supported at the back by a bottle jack. Disconnecting the gear box was the easy bit. The pivot had pushed through the centre of the fork so it was stuck. 3 hours with a junior hacksaw to cut off; then I discovered you could unbolt the pivot. Isnt hind- sight great?
Replaced the clutch whilst I was about it. All realigned with aid of long socket and checked the hand brake shoes while drive shaft removed.
How to reattach the gear box? Ive spent over 3 days trying. Engine crane doesnt work as gearbox centre of gravity lines up with centre seat bulkhead. Ive tried strops either side etc etc. Then crane hits switch panel. Moving a crane sideways when it is through the doors and doesn't have swivel castors is near impossible.
Constructed a trolley on heavy duty casters like removals use. Using 4 bottle jacks. The 2 older than me are the most reliable. Line everything up but still unable to do last 10cms (4 ins in old money).
My latest idea is some lengths of M10 treaded bar in bottom holes where bolts go between engine and gearbox Im afraid of them sheering in the engine casing then a whole heap more problems.
I am fed up. Any suggestions? Everything Ive read says its not easy but is it really impossible? Basically on my own and fed up with lying on the drive in puddles. My partner will occasionally pass me tools but now blames for her stinking cold. Help?
I have 1996 Defender 90 300tdi. The clutch fork failed; fortunately in my drive but thats where the luck ran out. After being quoted £££ to replace I decided to tackle myself. I have never had so many seized bolts to undo. Gearbox still in vehicle resting on cross member and supported at the back by a bottle jack. Disconnecting the gear box was the easy bit. The pivot had pushed through the centre of the fork so it was stuck. 3 hours with a junior hacksaw to cut off; then I discovered you could unbolt the pivot. Isnt hind- sight great?
Replaced the clutch whilst I was about it. All realigned with aid of long socket and checked the hand brake shoes while drive shaft removed.
How to reattach the gear box? Ive spent over 3 days trying. Engine crane doesnt work as gearbox centre of gravity lines up with centre seat bulkhead. Ive tried strops either side etc etc. Then crane hits switch panel. Moving a crane sideways when it is through the doors and doesn't have swivel castors is near impossible.
Constructed a trolley on heavy duty casters like removals use. Using 4 bottle jacks. The 2 older than me are the most reliable. Line everything up but still unable to do last 10cms (4 ins in old money).
My latest idea is some lengths of M10 treaded bar in bottom holes where bolts go between engine and gearbox Im afraid of them sheering in the engine casing then a whole heap more problems.
I am fed up. Any suggestions? Everything Ive read says its not easy but is it really impossible? Basically on my own and fed up with lying on the drive in puddles. My partner will occasionally pass me tools but now blames for her stinking cold. Help?
