Gearboxes

[Richard Bateman]

Can anyone advise me please? When I tighten down the nut at the end of the main shaft it takes the end float out of the first gear. I believe the manual recommends about 6 thou. 2nd gear is ok as I use the later main shafts with the larger dia. 2nd gear journal that uses a circlip to hold the gear on and thus control it's end float. (Anyone know when Ford started using these/have one for sale?) I do use the Tranex gear kit but don't think that's relevant.

[Scott Simpson]

Hi Richard,
Good to hear you're still in the L/C racing arena.
I think your problem is going to be with the spacer which fits on the back of 1st
gear, as it controls the endfloat. They are usually splined in the centre, but I've seen plenty of them with the splines worn away, which allows the spacer to push beyond the corresponding splines on the
mainshaft. I'm not too sure whether the spacer is selectable, but I didn't think they were.
I believe I have two types of those spacers at work, but without checking, I don't
know whether they'll be good enough for a race application.
Perhaps Quaife/Tranex will have them new in a stronger material?
I do have a new old stock 3 rail mainshaft, but it is the later circlipped type, as fitted to the
later Escort Mexico's, RS1600's, etc.
You're welcome to give me a call at work on monday, on 0208 977 9891.
Be good to hear from you again.
Scott