uverdrive box for mk1 transit v4 1977 2ltr

[caldwelld]

Hi folks, this topic has been raised before i think. I had wanted to change the crown wheel and pinion on my mk1 transit to a 3.54 ratio from a mk3 Zodiac/Zephyr. However from discussions ive had it would seem that my v4 2ltr might struggle with the gearing as all the Zodiac/zephyrs that used this ratio were fitted with 6 cylinder engines. I was now thinking of using an overdrive unit instead. My gearbox is a standard 4 speed unit. Can i use this existing box and fit an overdrive unit on to the end of it? ie Laycock, I remember Ralph told me that the gearbox has to have a special mounting cradle. I presume the propshaft has to be shortened accordingly. Does anyone know where i could get an overdrive unit to fit my existing gearbox.The existing gearbox is in good order. Any help /suggestions would be very welcome. Ps .i do not want to install a 5 speed gearbox or change the engine.

[dumper]

The gearbox has a different shorter tail shaft so to use your box you will need one and rebuild yours or get the complete box wit o/d unit ,for the rear gearbox x member you can modify yours that’s if it’s not the type that is hung off the top of the box I’ve cut the centre mounting point out of the xmember lowered it and reinforce it ,the propshaft will need shortened .
The last one I did I got a mk3 lwb complete set up all I had to do was shortened the propshaft the one I fitted to the mk2 even had the wiring under the van for switch on top of the gear stick.

[dumper]

Forgot to say your right on changing the diff on the mk1 v4 I had I replaced the engine due to head gasket issue with a 2l pinto it had a 5. something axel i replaced it with a diff from the local Ford dealership when they moved premises a really cheap 4.56 diff it dropped the mpg from 20 to 17 mpg at best all on long runs I soon put the old one back in .

[caldwelld]

Hi Dumper , thanks very much for this information. It would seem to be the best option to get a 4 speed gearbox already fitted with overdrive. Any ideas where i could get one of these ? Probably difficult to find as they were a factory fitted option. Saw one recently on another mk1/2 site where Dan Clift was the administrator. It was sold very quickly. Regards Don.

[caldwelld]

Hi Dumper , thanks very much for this information. It would seem to be the best option to get a 4 speed gearbox already fitted with overdrive. Any ideas where i could get one of these ? Probably difficult to find as they were a factory fitted option. Saw one recently on another mk1/2 site where Dan Clift was the administrator. It was sold very quickly. Regards Don.

[dumper]

Yes could be difficult to find mine came from a mk 3 LWB a uk d reg 1986 I think they must have put the early 5 speed in transits not much later as my 190 had the mt75 and it was a 1990;.