MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - What is the best way to remove a TF gearbox?

G'day,

I have a 1953 TF (1250) and I have a problem with my gearbox; I can't use 2nd gear. Now, the box has to come out but I'm receiving differing advice on the best method. Can someone out there please advise whether both the engine and gearbox have to be removed, or is it possible to remove the gearbox without having to remove the engine? My workshop manual seems to suggest that the gearbox can be removed without removing the engine as well, however, what I need is advice from you guys who have been through the process.

Is the workshop manual accurate in describing the procedure? If you have been through the process of removing your gearbox from your TF, did you follow the workshop manual? If not, could you please provide advice or instructions on what actions you took. I'd also appreciate your advice on any problems you encountered in the removal and re-installation process.

Basically, I have use of 1st, 3rd and 4th but if I select 2nd and release the clutch, there is lots of clanging and what sounds like, very expensive noises.

I have trawled through the archives on this BBS and have not been able to find the exact information that I'm after.

Your advice would be most appreciated.

Cheers,

Phil
Phil

Phil,

You can take out your seats and carpeting. The gearbox should have a rubber snug or sound deadening material on top of the gear box tunnel. Remove those items. Remove the floorboards. Remove the hand brake and the propellershaft tunnel. Remove the side rails the propeller shaft tunnel the floorboards rest on. Unbolt the flanges of the propeller shaft from both ends and remove the propeller shaft (you could leave the propeller shaft in, but it is easier IMHO to take it out) Unbolt the clutch linkage, and the bolts at the bell housing and remove the gearbox, extension piece with lever, and bell housing as a unit. You can lift it with one person.

Email me and I'll give you a link to some pictures of the process.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Remove the interior (seats, trans. tunnel cover, floorboards. Remove anything attached to the tranny (exhaust, clutch linkages, speedo, driveshaft). Remove the exhaust pipe from the manifold and move it out of the way. Using a wide wooden block, jack up under the sump slightly. Then unbolt the tranny, slide it back, up and out. No need to remove the motor. Just make sure you don't roll or move the car as the back of the motor is held up by the jack. Don't ask how I know this. George
George Butz

errr, the obvious, you have to remove the gear box mount AND support the back of the engine with a jack!

sorry for the omissions.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.

Cheers,
Phil
Phil

To avoid what George is getting at, I recommend blocking the engine pan with wood blocks. I use two sets of 2x6 blocks that I nail together. I run these the lenght of the pan to fully support the engine.

Phil. The above are correct in that removing the entire unit is easier, but if you are limited in space or can't get an engine hoist, taking the trans out throught the floor is not difficult, just more things to take out and put back.
Bruce Cunha

Thanks Bruce.

Dave, you have mail.

Cheers Guys, I'll let you know how I get on.

Phil
Phil

Phil,

I had to pull my transmission after my first drive in my TD. It's not a fun job to do, but it is possible to remove from inside the car.

All of the above are correct, but you don't need to remove the prop shaft, cover, or handbrake. You can also leave the exhaust in place, just remove the exhaust bracket from the gearbox.

I would recommend raising the front of the car and putting it on jackstands. You'll need room to crawl under the car. Many of the fasteners are easy to reach from underneath. Pull the seats, carpet, tranny cover, and floorboards. Disconnect the clutch, prop shaft, speedo cable and exhaust bracket. Now, with the engine supported, remove the gearbox support and the transmission to engine bolts. Make a note of wear the ground strap and tappet breather pipe are connected for reasembly.

"Installation is the reverse" as they say...

Good luck!

Evan

PS. Installing a brake light relay is very easy with the floor boards out.
Evan Ford - TD 27621

One further item to make getting the box out and back in (primarily back in). Get two exhaust manifolt bracket studs and replace the two top bolts (the two on either side of the very top bolt at center) that hold the box to the engine. These will serve as a guide for the box and a support to keep from placing undue pressure on the input shaft. I had removed and reinstalled the gearbox on our TD numerous times before reading this hint and was amazed at how much that simple little item made the job easier. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks again guys, much appreciated.


Phil
Phil

This thread was discussed on 04/10/2005

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.