I only need to change the thrust bearing (clutch is fine, was an ongoing issue), does anyone know if i can unbolt the main g/box to block bolts/starter etc and then swing the box around to get at the thrust bearing? Or am i still going to have to remove the driveshafts etc and remove it fully.
Trying to do as little as possible as i hate messing with gearboxes

 

i have done a simillar thing before using a ratchet strap to pull box back on an angle

 

So it is do-able? Did you leave the d/shafts in when doing so?

 

Drop the hubs from the shocks and then role the box on the shafts, This is the way i was taught years ago.

 

the way i'd do it is to undo the hub nuts and remove bottom ball joint from hub, swing hubs out and then the shafts will come free, then undo slector arms and unbolt gearbox from engine and remove cradle, brace the engine and pull box off, you can't just swing it out of the way, needs to come out to change the thrust bearing i'm afraid.

 

Depending on if you are changing the gear oil though I would fix the shafts into the box so they wont slip out, otherwise you will leak gearbox oil every where and have to replace, but if its old oil then it would be good to change. Box only needs to be slip out about 3" then lowered enough to get your hands in.

 

I would drop the hubs off the drive shafts, undo the engine mount and gearbox cradle... drop both down together (engine and box) on two jacks... one under engine... one under box have loads of room and just split the box and engine.

Sounds tedious, but often the laziest way is the hardest.... if you spend a little time doing it the 'long' way the job will be done faster and better....

Rob,

 

Thats true... Many times i've tried what looks like to be a shot cut and ended up taking far longer than if I'd done it the normal way

 

It was do-able! Disconnected the n/s TCA and that was all that needed doing

 

Did you sort the problem with the thrust bearing?

 

Yup! Fitted the modified Ford sleeve and oversize bearing and now its quiet as anything