Gearbox build thread

[Wunder Wim]

Hi

justed wanted some input about building gearboxes.

I'm going to built myself a 2165cc EFI engine and would like to use it for fast street and some dragracing.

I'm curently working on the gearbox so wanted some input on what to do to keep it together.
I've allready installed a super diff and stronger sideplate (diff side). I've orded a 'Poor Mans Posi' and steel support rings for the sidecovers.

* What more would be needed? I don't realy want to open the gearbox and change the gears as this would stretch my budget a little to far.

* I plan to instal the sidegears with zero play, if that is ok. Is it worth it to give some preload on the sidegears?

* Is it necessary to instal a stronger sideplate on both sides?

* Is it worth it to instal an Chrome-Moly Bearing Retainer?

Any input would be appreciated.

Wim

[Bruce]

  I plan to instal the sidegears with zero play, if that is ok. Is it worth it to give some preload on the sidegears?

That won't work. You must have at least some clearance for the oil.  Otherwise the gears will grind themselves to death.

[besserwisser]

The gearbox has to be in really good shape if you plan to do some dragracing without opening the gearbox to check what shape it is in. Yes a chromemoly retainer helps but if you have to much axial play between gears it wont do the job. You should probably weld 3rd and fourth gear before racing. Depending on what type of first gear you have dragracing could end up being very shortlived. Use regular radials only pumped on the hard side and preload the gearbox before leaving the line and it could last a few races. Skip the burnouts.

[hotrodsurplus]

x2 on the welded 3-4 gear hubs. If you do not weld them then release the clutch in those gears before you open the throttle fully.

The HD side plate on the non-thrust side is unnecessary.

I say treat your gearbox with care and save for a properly built one with welded gears. Since you will have it apart anyway then spend a little bit more for close-ratio gears. The improvement in acceleration will astound you on a drag strip. Mountain driving will be so much more fun too.