Is it possible to remove the gearbox top cover in situ?

[BryanD]

My manual o/d gearbox is leaking badly from the top cover and I suspect the problem is the seals at the back end of the selector rods. I'm just wondering if it might be possible to tip the gearbox down far enough to remove it without taking off the whole box. It would have to lift up far enough to disengage the selector forks of course...

Thoughts anyone?

[mole42]

I suspect not. The ROM suggests that lowering the gearbox will allow the engine sump to contact the front suspension crossmember and prevent further lowering of the gearbox. The top cover wil have to lift by 4" (100mm) or so to disengage the forks and the rear chassis crossmember (just behind the gearbox rear support) will be in the way too.

[NeilR]

Yes it is possible - just not easy. I have done it to replace the shift rods 'O' rings.

Remove exhaust down pipes, remove gearbox mount & possibly propshaft (can't quite remember).
Then the box will swing down just about enough to get the cover off, great care has to taken to engage selector forks & reverse shifter when re-assembling.
Also be careful you don't trap the brake pipe going across the front cross member & trap any wires against the bulkhead.

[Chris01573]

Having just done a clutch change so fresh from dropping a gearbox I agree it is possible what a pita job to line everything up blind !

[richardthestag]

And you had the luxury of a 2 post lift Chris01573

[Chris01573]

Indeed !

[BryanD]

Yes it is possible - just not easy. I have done it to replace the shift rods 'O' rings.

Remove exhaust down pipes, remove gearbox mount & possibly propshaft (can't quite remember).
Then the box will swing down just about enough to get the cover off, great care has to taken to engage selector forks & reverse shifter when re-assembling.
Also be careful you don't trap the brake pipe going across the front cross member & trap any wires against the bulkhead.

Thanks Neil, that's what I was hoping the answer would be. Did you also need to undo engine cooling hoses?

[NeilR]

No, I didn't find that was required, doesn't mean it won't in your case though. Never have had to do that for clutch & gearbox changes either.
Best lower it down a bit a time and see if the top hose is pulling tight.

[Stagintow]

and take the fan off ?

[NeilR]

I don't have a mechanical fan.

[Chris01573]

I put a sheet of cardboard in front of my fan (mechanical) no damage done to rad even with sump touching cross beam.