Unless you're into serious engineering, just buy a kit from one of the dealers who advertise in Minor Matters. All parts included and everything fits. It's a worthwhile mod for daily driving on high speed roads, but doesn't make much difference on country lanes or about town. Works with a 1098 or larger. Sychro on first is useful if towing a heavy trailer up a steep hill.
Sorry, Ratbag, my last comment may have come out less light-heartedly than I intended. You were teasing, so was I. Plus, I learned it as "tidbit" here in the colonies. Nonetheless, having the trans facing the right way round can be quite useful when installing it.
Hi thanks for advice, will bear in mind fore and aft aspect of box........5 reverse gears could be entertaining.I intend to do the job with kit though as I converted a celica box years ago which was fairly challenging.
Are these boxes a safe bet from a breakers or is it better to buy recon?
They are known to be tough boxes so its probably a safe "risk" to buy from a breaker.... I think pukka breakers should offer some kind of guarantee anyway... Sale of goods act etc...?
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Compare the Minors - Simples !! http://mog.myfreeforum.org/index.php
It's very much easier and less expensive to simply install a 3.7 diff from a 1500 Midget in the rear axle. Similar top gear effect, but of course still only 4 gears. Advantage is about 2 hours to fit - instead of about 2 weeks for a 5 speed conversion. Cost also about £100 against at least £600 (maybe more?) for a 5 speed conversion.
But - each one to their own choice!
Depends if you have ALL the bits to hand - including the modified prop shaft/modified gearbox cover/bell housing/clutch linkage etc etc. Even with all that absolutely ready and to hand - if it's a leisurely day for you then you must be a much faster worker than me ! It would be a hard day's graft for me (working single handed) to change a standard gearbox - never mind do any modifications !
If you have all the bits to hand (just like you would with a diff change), it's very similar to changing a standard 'box - for which you'd need all the bits to hand too. Oh, and yes, all my work's single handed too
I already have a 3.7 diff so that my lower profile tyres don.t make the engine go weeeeeeeeeeeee so 5 on the floor is the only way to go from here on in.Are the kits complete in every way or are there some parts required from Ford?Presumably a s/hand gearstick is required.
Still waiting for Andrew to come back with an idea of the cost. But yes I guess if you buy a complete 'kit' from a supplier - then it will have everything you need - ready to fit in one day!
Most kits are now selling for £650+VAT + the cost of a recon T9 Box.
So budget for the best part of £1000.
Doubt it could be done in a day unless you really went hammer and tongs at the job. The handbrake needs to be shortened to clear 4th gear, or moved back 2 inches for the same reason.
Worth the money IMHO as you get a box that is almost unbreakable, and quieter into the bargain. If running a 1098 I would stick with a 4.22 diff if fitting a 5 speed box. A lower ratio diff + 5 speed box on a 1098 will cause the engine to struggle through the gears.
Is there no end to the wise advice on this forum?
