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Spitfire Spitfire OD Conversion

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dgalbrai

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I have a very strong 4 speed (no OD) tranny for an 80 Spit. I also have an OD "J" type tranny for an 80 spit. The OD tranny has a slipping first gear.

Which would be the best route?

1) Add the OD to my strong 4 speed tranny.

2) Replace the gears in the OD tranny with the ones from my non OD tranny.

Thanks

DCG
 
Probably the second option. Actually, either option requires disassembly of both gearboxes, as the mainshaft from the OD gearbox is needed to "convert" the non-OD gearbox. So it might be a "wash"!

But exactly what do you mean by "slipping first gear"?
 
My 78 Spit had non OD tranny and I dropped in a OD tranny. I also changed the drive shaft as opposed to the tranny main shaft.
 
Neither transmission has a slipping 1st gear. You can't slip a mechanical gear. Either the clutch is slipping, or are you talking about popping out of gear?
 
A busted sprag clutch in the OD might show up as slippage only in 1st gear. Or if the OD was trying to engage in 1st, it might seem like it was slipping (between direct & overdrive). Either one is likely to indicate serious damage inside the OD.

Almost the only difference between your option 1) and 2) is which housing you pick up when reassembling the gearbox ... so I'd pick the one that was in the best shape.
 
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