[Healeys] Installing a BJ8 tranny

teamhealeytexas fredcrowley at teamhealeytexas.com
Sat Jun 30 13:47:03 MDT 2012


Unfortunately I have had way to much experience removing and installing the
transmission and O/D on my 62 Healey 3000 race car. In addition to all the
normal hassles of muscling it into place, I have to work around the
roll-cage.

I made up 2 simple wood cradles using a 2x4 for the base and 2 shaped 1/2"
plywood pieces screwed to the small sides of the 2X4. The top edge of the
plywood is cut to match the approximate shape of the underside of the
transmission and O/D. The two cradles each sit on top of a floor jack (ie: 2
jacks). This allows me a lot of flexibility in adjusting the angle of the
transmission both in removing and especially in installing. It keeps the
transmission from rotating and allows for small movements in getting
everything into place without modifying the shape of my fingers. I have my
crew chief Jeanice operate the jacks as I practice my four-letter vocabulary
inside the cockpit of the car.

Should be obvious but make sure the rear of the engine is well supported
before removing the transmission. With no support that 1000# hunk of cast
iron will put a huge stress on the front engine mounts and exhaust system. I
jack the back of the engine up slightly (only slightly) and use a extremely
sophisticated system of 2x10 scrap lumber (for the nit pickers you can use a
straight grain carefully seasoned and planed piece of hickory, carefully
sanded and finished in 4 coats of marine varnish) wedged under the rear of
the oil pan. I then lower the engine onto the wood.

The cost to make the cradles is squat, takes about 10 minutes to make and
significantly simplifies the process.

I disconnect the power from the battery, remove the seats and steering
wheel, unbolt the the 2 screws holding the emergency brake to the bracket to
allow the e-brake handle to be lowered onto the cockpit floor and then use
padding ( a cheap moving blanket or heavy rubber mat from Home Depot) over
the door sill floor and e-brake handle. The padding is primarily for my
knees, elbows etc, but I have also found the padding is very useful in
minimizing modifications to the paintwork, trim pieces and other sundry
bits. Sigh! It's tough being a guy.

If anyone is interested in seeing a pic of the cradle, contact me off the
list.

Y'all take care, eh?
Fred
Team Healey Texas


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