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MG TD TF 1500 - Engine alignment

Hi all

I have attached a 5 speed Toyota Celica gearbox to my spare XPAW engine with a purpose built bellhousing (from Dellow in Sydney) which uses the TD’s clutch system and special clutch plate. I have had a new tailshaft built.

I have fabricated a rear / gearbox mount using existing cross-member (See attached photo) but found it to be too low as the tailshaft was rubbing against the rear cross member (see next photo). I have lifted the rear / gearbox mount 19mm (about 3/4"), but before making it permanent, I would like to know if the motor (ie. top of head) is parallel to the chassis (under the tub)?

Currently with the rear axle sitting on the straps, the new tailshaft is about 1/2” above the “U” in the cross member and the top of the head slopes down about 15mm (5/8”) from front to rear.

Also is the radiator perpendicular to the chassis (under the tub)?

FYI. I have to make minor modifications to the floor boards and the metal tunnel (spread base) & gearbox cover so they clear the tailshaft and gearbox.

cheers

Stuart

Stuart Duncan

A photo showing gearbox/ drive shaft / diff set up

cheers

Stuart

Stuart Duncan

FYI - A photo showing Toyota gearbox / bellhousing and engine

Stuart
Stuart Duncan

Here is the photo that I mentioned

Stuart Duncan

It appears that the tranny is a bit larger and mounted higher than stock. Is this true or is the U joint virtually the same elevation above the crossmember?

You'll find out eventually if you need to modify the trans & driveshaft covers.

What is very important, that many overlook, is that the differential U joint and the trans U joint must be parallel (determined with car weight setting on 4 wheels). Otherwise, the drivetrain will introduce vibrations that introduce significant stress throughout.

If the new mounting location tipped the trans up at any significant angle (probably insignificant) then the rear end would need to be tipped DOWN to compensate via tapered shims between leaf springs and the rear end spring perches.

The characters that are really guilty of this error are the ones that add a huge lift kit to a truck/SUV and then rotate the rear axle aiming it straight at the trans. Nasty vibrations result.

Also, if someone has to shorten the driveshaft, it is absolutely critical the U joints are oriented correctly!!!

Jim Northrup

Stuart
No experience of fitting a 5 speed box but the Brown and Gammons catalogue shows 1 or 2 rubber mounting blocks fitted on the gear box mount so these may well be thick enough to support the rear of the gear box.
Regards
Mick 52 TD
Mick Cook

Stuart,

Since you don't have the body/petrol tank/interior on the car it's going to be hard to tell what the final angle is going to be. With all the weight back on the frame the propshaft may clear without a problem. What bothers me looking at these photos is there doesn't appear to be any room for the slip joint at the front of the propshaft to move in and out of the transmission as the car goes over bumps, etc. There needs to be at least 3/4 of an inch travel for it...of course, it may be just an illusion from the angle of the photos and not be a concern.
Gene Gillam

Gene

The slip yock has about 1" of play in towards the gearbox.

A check of another local TD shows his axle sitting 3/4" off the straps. Also his engine is parallel with tub floor / chassis.

I therefore think my set up should be OK.

thanks for advice
Stuart
Stuart Duncan

This thread was discussed between 01/09/2011 and 16/09/2011

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