Noisy gears

[Postie Bob]

Took the `ol dear for a run on the w`end and all went well except for the gearbox  .
It`s a 3 speed and is quite noisy in 1st & 2nd but fine in top . The noise is bad on acceleration but quietens down when not under load .
Is a rebuild kit going to fix my prob ( bearings , etc ) or could it be gears themselves?
I`m thinking if it,s going to cost a small fortune to repair I should maybe get a 4 speed.
Is replacing the 3 with a 4 a straight forward swap ?  What about the shift linkage , etc .
What model vehicle should I be looking for to get a compatible 4sp box that will fit in without too much drama?
Cheers, Bob.

[Warren]

Bob

The 4 speed conversion is a pretty simple swap, mostly just bolt it up.

If you use a speco 4 speed shifter (out of say a HQ) it can be bolted into the original 3 speedes location, use the three speeds linkages to connect the forward gears, and one of the four speed linkages (bent to suit) for the reverse gears.

need any further help let me know.

Warren   

[willo]

Took the `ol dear for a run on the w`end and all went well except for the gearbox  .
It`s a 3 speed and is quite noisy in 1st & 2nd but fine in top . The noise is bad on acceleration but quietens down when not under load .
Is a rebuild kit going to fix my prob ( bearings , etc ) or could it be gears themselves?
I`m thinking if it,s going to cost a small fortune to repair I should maybe get a 4 speed.
Is replacing the 3 with a 4 a straight forward swap ?  What about the shift linkage , etc .
What model vehicle should I be looking for to get a compatible 4sp box that will fit in without too much drama?
Cheers, Bob.

Hi Bob, noisy first and second in a 3 speed is front gearbox bearing.
A gearbox bearing kit fixes it and those old 3 speeds can be done without special tools.

problem with going to a 4 speed is that fourth is still 1:1 so all you do is add a middle gear in the range without reducing final revs.
I like a 5 speed as it does everything that a 4 speed does plus you get a better cruise with less revs.

Neil

[Postie Bob]

Thanks Neil ,
Think I will go with the kit for the time being. I need to do a trip ( around 1000ks ) before I can do the repairs though .
Hope I don`t cause it any more grief .  Will nurse it along ... Am in no hurry  .
Cheers, Bob.

[Postie Bob]

Thanks Warren.
I missed your reply somehow!!!
Will keep my eye out for a suitable 4 speed just in case my original craps itself.
I guess a 4 would be better driving around town and hilly situations .
Cheers, Bob.

[Warren]

Thanks Warren.
I missed your reply somehow!!!
Will keep my eye out for a suitable 4 speed just in case my original craps itself.
I guess a 4 would be better driving around town and hilly situations .
Cheers, Bob.

Yes Bob

The 4 speed conversion makes the Van more drive-able, but as Neil states does not change the rev/top speed situation, only an overdrive gearbox or diff ratio change will affect that

Warren