Gearbox swappers - those top bolts?

[mole42]

I took the gearbox out yesterday, replacement going in tomorrow.

For this of you who’ve done it, how do you get the top bolts in and tightened? The dear old ROM is unhelpful :-( Getting them out involved the use of all my ⅜” drive extensions and quite a lot of contortion.

Thanks!

[flying farmer]

I tap the holes in the adapter plate UNC, same thread as the exhaust manifold studs. It is then a very simple job to install the bolts from beneath using a long extension. Only need to do the top half as the bottom ones are easily reached. I have done this on 5 different cars so far.

[mole42]

Thanks Neil, I’ve ordered the UNC bolts for overnight delivery and grabbed the ⅜ tap from my tool drawer…..I need the gearbox back in by Sunday night, I only own one car and my Stag is my daily….

[jbuckl]

3ft long 3/8” extension bar has been used before I think.

However recently on an engine change with zf left in the car it was just normal tools and contorted arms hands and torso

[Symmo]

i got my box out (and in) fairly easily but i did buy a set of very long 3/8 socket extensions off ebay whick made the job easier especially if you get the wobble extensions

[mole42]

Thanks Neil - tapping the top 5 holes and using UNC bolts is just the ticket! Nice thing - the middle three can be tightened using a ratchet and long extension through the gear lever hole.

[flying farmer]

Thanks Neil - tapping the top 5 holes and using UNC bolts is just the ticket! Nice thing - the middle three can be tightened using a ratchet and long extension through the gear lever hole.

I only once tried to refit a gearbox using the original nuts and bolts, I had a bag of about 20 nuts and dropped nearly all of them on every bolt before getting them started, never again!