Ford Type 9 Gearbox

[mike.perry]

A friend has fitted a Type 9 gearbox to a 1250 Spitfire but is having trouble finding 3d gear. I know nothing about Ford boxes but I am informed that it can also be fitted to a Minor
Any advice on the possible problem please

[mike.perry]

What 52 viewings and no comments on Type 9 gearboxes? I thought that they were a fairly common fittiing

[katy]

I believe some of the Ford transmissions were made by Mazda, you might check w/that bunch.
Is that a 4 speed or a 5 speed?

[Jefftav]

What do you mean trouble finding 3rd gear? If it won't engage 3rd and all the other gears select OK then he may need to take the box out and have a specialist look over it as these boxes are pretty bullet proof but if abused they can give problems. The oil is 75/90semi syn from memory and if you use a different oil this can make gear changes slow/awkward. Also the box doesn't like fast changes.

[chrisryder]

What 52 viewings and no comments on Type 9 gearboxes? I thought that they were a fairly common fittiing

You might find that a less ambiguous title would have given less viewings... 'Ford Type 9 Gearbox Problem' for instance... It wouldn't have given more replies, but would have given fewer viewings...

I read the post originally, as I fitted one to my own minor. But having never had one apart, I couldn't tell you what was wrong with one!

[bmcecosse]

I suggest you/he ask on a FORD forum! But if it just won't select third gear at all -it's pretty obviously going to have to come out and be stripped down.......

[mike.perry]

Sorry if I was vague, all I know is that he did a complete chassis up restoration on a Mk 4/5? Spitfire for his son and fitted a Type 9 gearbox. He and several other people have had difficulty selecting 3rd gear. I have not had a chance to drive it yet, roof not fitted and raining, but have suggested that 5 speed boxes are normally spring loaded in 3rd/4th plane but apparently this box is not.

[bmcecosse]

Strange choice for a Spitty anyway - since O/D gearboxes for that engine are readily available !