Classic Ford readers...

[johnny_h]

I have just checked my gearbox using the gearbox guide in this months Classic Ford and I wanted to see if I have done it properly using the paint on the splines. I have just done a rough check from memory and think I got 1.6 turns out of one of the ends. I havent got my mag with me so can't check if i did it properly. can someone tell me roughly what the guide says so i can see if i have the ultra rare box thats worth a mint!

[105Speed]

The way to do it is to put the box is first, mark the front and rear shaft with tipex and then spin the rear shaft one complete turn.

 

Count the number of turns the front shaft makes.

 

 

A 2000E box should be :-

 

1st 2.97 : 1

 

2nd 2.0 : 1

 

3rd 1.4 : 1

 

4th 1:1

 

 

If you get more than three turns (3.6) on the front its a boat anchor.

 

If you get less than three turns on first then its Whoo-Hoo E-bay here we come...

 

 

Classic Ford didnt explain it in the easiest way, as they used 2nd gear as the one to check, not wrong by any means.

 

 

The mega rare Lotus Cortina box has the following ratios

 

 

1st 2.5 : 1

 

2nd 1.64 : 1

 

3rd 1.23 : 1

 

4th 1:1

 

 

 

BUT

 

Beware MkI Lotus Cortina boxes from 1964 onwards as their first gear ratio is rubbish. Proper family of 4 towing a caravan stuff

 

1st 3.54 : 1

 

2nd 2.0 : 1

 

3rd 1.4 : 1

 

4th 1:1

[105Speed]

Oh and its probably worth pointing out the other small faux pas in the article.

 

The Milton quick shift will ONLY fit in the 2000E / Mexico style box with the shift at the rear NOT in all three rail boxes as the article suggests.

[johnny_h]

Thanks 105 speed, I did the check in second and like i say got about 1.5 turns. I have stripped the box now coz reverse was knackered and now I can see inside I can see that half it's teeth are in the bottom of the box. How can I check further mate?

[johnny_h]

Now i can count the teeth on each gear, is there somewhere i can find out what they should be for each type then i will know for sure.

[105Speed]

What does the box look like ?

 

Where is the gear shift position ?

 

If the box is apart you will need to count the teeth on the gears.

 

I will have a look and see if I can find the number of teeth per gear for you.

[johnny_h]

Thanks mate

 

[105Speed]

Looking at that pic it is very unlikely, unless someone has swapped the gears in it that it would be the magical Lotus Cortina Box.

 

Thats a Mexico / RS1600 or Series I 1600E/GT box.

 

You can tell this as it has the reversing light switch boss on the top just ahead of the top cover plate.

[johnny_h]

ok mate, i think the gears must have been changed coz 2nd gear turns the shaft more than once.

[105Speed]

ok mate, i think the gears must have been changed coz 2nd gear turns the shaft more than once.

 

One turn of the rear shaft should give two turns of the front shaft

[johnny_h]

It turns it around 1 and half times.