T25 gearbox

[Boris_1989]

Does anyone know if the t25 gearbox can be removed without removing the engine?

Thanks

Max

[dekhelia]

It certainly can. A lot of people remove the gearbox in preference to the engine, when changing the clutch. There are 3 points of attachment: bellhousing, driveshafts, and rear gearbox mount.

Bellhousing bolts are dead easy. Gearbox mount similarly so. The driveshafts can be problematic, in that you have to get in there with a hex key to undo bolts that have probably never been undone since the van was manufactured.

Don't pussyfoot about with 'em: get the key solidly engaged, and then give a sharp twist rather than applying gradually-increasing force, which is more likely to round off the points. Sudden shock on the bolts will break the 'seal' formed by years of crud, rust etc.

And the good thing is, you can replace the driveshaft seals while it's out.

E D I T: meant to add that you should undo the driveshaft bolts first (both sides). Bellhousing second, leaving three or four of them wound in by a few threads, so that when you undo the gearbox mount and start to manoeuvre the box off the engine, it'll still be held captive.

Use a good trolley jack under the gearbox: it is possible to remove it from underneath without a jack - but that should qualify as an extreme sport of some kind. The 'box is heavy, and the position you'll be in when removing it from the input shaft means that a lot can go wrong quickly.

And the last thing you want when something goes wrong, is for it to go wrong quickly.

[Boris_1989]

Thanks for the information, very informative

I'll give it a go next week as I've been able to source a gearbox from someone on here.

[ermie571]

I don't know if totally necessary as not mentioned by the highly knowledgeable peeps above.....but I had support for the engine too...piece of wood across engine bay and a suitable piece of rope. Also..if your thermostat housing is at the rear of the engine bay watch it carefully as you lower the box....make sure it doesn't catch on anything. X

[ned]

I'll vouch for the gearbox being a heavy lump. I used a bit of scaffold pole to support the engine when I removed my gearbox to change the clutch, had a bit more trust in metal than wood. If you don't have a trolley jack try using an old skate board if you have one to help you move it once it's off the van.