MGB Transmission cross member re-install

[Svcmangler]

I have removed the transmission and engine assembly to replace the clutch and reseal both the engine and transmission. I am currently trying to install the transmission cross member and I am not able to line up the bolts that go from transmission to the V-shaped mount in between the tranny and the crossmember. Does anyone have any hints on how to do this?

thank you for any help you can offer

John

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Lower the trans and fit the mounts to the cross member. Then Jack up the trans and fit the bolts to the body.

 

[Svcmangler]

Lower the trans and fit the mounts to the cross member. Then Jack up the trans and fit the bolts to the body.

That won’t work as the cross member sits on the top of the frame rails

 

[Grantura_MKI]

MGB doesn’t have a frame. Crossmember sits below the tunnel.
What model are you working on?

 

[Svcmangler]

MGB doesn’t have a frame. Crossmember sits below the tunnel.
What model are you working on?

Ha, you are right. I was thinking about a different car. It is not a matter of reaching the crossmember to the tranny and getting the bolts to reach, it is a matter of lining the bolts up exactly to go thru the crossmember and that "V" shaped bracket/bushing thingy. LOL. Not really sure what its purpose is, but regardless, the space is tight and I just can't seem to ling it all up.
I decided to put some gasket sealant on the mating surface of the bracket to the transmission, and bolted it up separately. I will wait till tomorrow then take the bolts out, put the cross member in place and see if I can get the bolts started that way. Here is a couple pics of what i mean.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Good luck with it.

 

[Svcmangler]

Have you ever removed the cross member and then re-installed it?

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Yes, many a time. Have been around wrenching on foreign cars for over 44 years…got started at a very early age.

 

[DrEntropy]

In images 8821 & 8826 it ~appears~ you've got the bracket to the trans (part #5) bolted up 180° the WRONG way. That bracket is not symmetrical.

The mounts will be offset to the front that way. See if this illustration helps. And both Grantura_MKI and self have probably done this job on more MGB's than you've ever even seen. Be polite, please.

 

[Svcmangler]

Ha, ok I will not comment on that. I’ve been checking out a couple youtube videos regarding this, and it looks like I just need to man up ame keep on trying. My procedure seems to be correct. I did notice some of the videos used a cross member where they drilled access holes. I would rather not do that, as I am a bit of a purist. I will double check that butterfly bracket and flip it 180 d3gess like you suggest

 

[Grantura_MKI]

These are 1/4” drive and work a treat in tight areas.

 

[DrEntropy]

These are 1/4” drive and work a treat in tight areas.

Off topic but: D, I've the same 1/4" swivels here, but what manufacturer are those 12-point ones? They look to be something I've not seen before.

I’ve been checking out a couple youtube videos regarding this, and it looks like I just need to man up ame keep on trying. My procedure seems to be correct. I did notice some of the videos used a cross member where they drilled access holes. I would rather not do that, as I am a bit of a purist.

John, it's a bit like a Chinese wood block puzzle at first, but once all is set in correct order it'll go together. Should be no need to put holes in the cross-member. I've run into another problem periodically with that job, the chassis mounting threads seem to get stripped out on some. I assume people who've been there in the past have used an air gun to reinstall the bolts and over-torqued 'em. Worth checking before final assembly and tightening. Frustrating to have to go backwards to Heli-coil the things! Especially if you're working on your back.

Just a heads-up.

 

[Svcmangler]

thanks I will double check.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

They are snap on, Doc. Fitting in a special ratchet to make them very slim…that a 7/16” pictured.

 

[DrEntropy]

They are snap on, Doc. Fitting in a special ratchet to make them very slim

Ah. Clever. Thanks for the explanation. I got a series of "Gear Wrench" combos for similar situations. Hadn't seen the Snappy tool before (or I'd likely have ponied up th' lolly for 'em ).