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TR2/3/3A Transmission Rebuilding

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I'm trying to recall. Aren't special "Churchill" pullers required for both the rear housing and the front cover? I realize that they can be fabricated, but my Shop Manual makes it seem some special tools are critical. I also realize there would have to be substitutes for Churchill tools.
 
KVH said:
I'm trying to recall. Aren't special "Churchill" pullers required for both the rear housing and the front cover? I realize that they can be fabricated, but my Shop Manual makes it seem some special tools are critical. I also realize there would have to be substitutes for Churchill tools.
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For some inexplicable reason your comments made me remember my favorite bit of British car humor: https://www.brit.ca/~tboicey/comics/sst.html It is pretty easy to make a puller for the rear housing with some threaded rod, I know I put the front bearing in and out with a hammer and drift, not ideal, but doable.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. There are a couple of items that are important that I should both consider and follow if I decide to take this project.

1) Though I underestimated the length of time, if work time (Disassembly and Assembly) are in the 18 to 20 hour range, this is workable.
2) Remembering to replace the main shaft circlip after each attempted usage is one that I had not considered. Thanks for the heads up on this one.
3) I need to figure out the shift fork thrust measurement. Some more research needed. I had seen info on it, but need to go back and get more familiar.
4) Taking pictures is easy but is also something I do not always do. Good reminder that it will be a valuable item along with keeping the pieces together when removed. I have seen photos of this being done by using wire to string everything together so will make sure to include this.

OK, regarding the syncro's, TRF is pricing their "high quality" syncro's at approx $23 each vs the $40 each with MOSS. I have always had good luck with TRF though do not use them as much because of distance (I am on the West Coast). Anyone have any feedback on the TRF syncro's?

I am still interested (but not yet ready to commit) regarding the do it yourself transmission rebuild. Thanks again for both the stories (very entertaining) and sharing your own past experiences.

Steve
 
Hi Steve:

I had my transmission and overdrive rebuilt by Robert Jasper in Ca. Benefits are that he had a test bench set-up to make sure it was all correct, he knew which parts required premium replacements (i.e. synchro rings), he has done a bunch of them so knows what the issues are, and he returned everything in like new condition and it has worked great. Downside is cost (about $900 for rebuild of Tranny and same for overdrive) and I got hammered on shipping from and to Hawaii. But I would not think it wise to tackle the job as a first time thing. Save your mechanical skills, time and motivation to do more straightforward jobs like suspension, etc where you can get involved but not risk messing up on such a critical component that is hard to get to.

Dan
 
Thanks. I will check this out.

2long said:
Hi Steve:

I had my transmission and overdrive rebuilt by Robert Jasper in Ca. Benefits are that he had a test bench set-up to make sure it was all correct, he knew which parts required premium replacements (i.e. synchro rings), he has done a bunch of them so knows what the issues are, and he returned everything in like new condition and it has worked great. Downside is cost (about $900 for rebuild of Tranny and same for overdrive) and I got hammered on shipping from and to Hawaii. But I would not think it wise to tackle the job as a first time thing. Save your mechanical skills, time and motivation to do more straightforward jobs like suspension, etc where you can get involved but not risk messing up on such a critical component that is hard to get to.

Dan
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When I had mine rebuilt labor was $500 at a local tranny shop that was recommended. I had already replaced all the parts, when I attempted the rebuild before, and luckily, although it didn't work right, I didn't damage anything. $400 is probably in the ballpark of what I spent for parts when I rebuilt it, so the $900 figure would be consistent with my total cost.
 
I'll second Bob, if you don't want to do it yourself. But we're some 400 miles SE of Los Gatos, so shipping might still be a problem.
 
I have a 1963 TR4 with an "A" type overdrive tranny that needs some attention. The overdrive is not working, and hasn't for a long time, and some of the gears grind, sometimes. I live in Atlanta, Ga. and need a local shop that is familiar with old British trannys. Any recommendations?
 
Just a small hint. Get a Dermel tool and a round Diamond tipped cutter, aprox 3mm Dia. Cut an indentation in each side of the Mainshaft Circlip Gap. Now you can use Circlip Pliers to remove that troublesome clip.
 
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