1978 ford transit mk2 overdrive gearbox on ebay.

[caldwelld]

Hi folks,
can i fit the above box to my mk1 1977 transit. Is it the same box as the existing one on my mk1 apart from the overdrive.
Regards Don

[dumper]

I’ve fitted a mk3 overdrive box to a mk2 no problem it was a lwb into a swb all I had to do is get the propshaft adjusted. to fit in a mk1 it will depend on what type of rear gearbox cross member you have on your van you may have to modify it if it comes with one .I did modify the mk2 one by cutting out the centre mount and lowering it and and strengthening it . You will need a longer speedo cable if I remember correctly the mk2 even had electrical plug to connect underneath already on the van

[Ralph.9]

It also depends on which engine you have & the overdrive propshaft is longer & has a centre sliding bearing. Is your 1977 a MK1 with a top hung gearbox? If so you will neeed to use a crossmember.

[dumper]

My v4 had the top hung gearbox I think there are two types of lower crossmembers the earlier one bolted to the chassis with 3 bolts that had rubber bushes top and bottom with a spacer tube in the middle and the latter type had a two bolt side bracket to the chassis with a rubber mount on that the xmember bolted to with one bolt each side .

[Ralph.9]

The overdrive gearbox uses a unique crossmembe, it is stepped down in the middle as the overdrive is much bigger than a tail shaft.

[dumper]

The overdrive gearbox uses a unique crossmembe, it is stepped down in the middle as the overdrive is much bigger than a tail shaft.

Hi Ralph it’s possible to modify it one of the ones I fitted didn’t have a crossmember I cut the centre out widened it to miss the o/d and lowered it and strengthened it

[caldwelld]

Hi Folks, just remembered the early mk2 had a pinto engine fitted. Mine is a v4 and the mk2 overdrive box would probably not fit on to the v4 without an adaptor plate.

[dumper]

It’s a long time ago so not 100% sure but I replaced the V4 on my mk1 with a 2 L pinto out of a Mk2 it came with a adapter plate I changed the bell housing on the 4 speed gearbox my box was the top hanging type so it’s possible that you could fit the V4 bell housing to the o/d box Ralph has more upto date working on a mk1 and may definitely know if it’s possible.it’s even possible that I used a York bell housing as the pinto gearbox didn’t have a removable one.I used a lot of parts from a scrap one at work I even used the bullnose front and bonnet and the York radiator without extending the chassis legs.