Last weekend I set about swapping the Transaxle over in the Drop Bear (A 71' Baja formally known as the Dog-O-War). I'd never done this before and so it was a learning experience more than anything.
The old 1300 box was popping out of 4th and 1st was becoming a stranger as well. Think it might have had something to do with all the sand it has to put up with. Anyhow the 1500 when in without to many hitches. I did the whole job myself except for bleeding the brakes from 5pm Saturday and finished at 6pm on the Sunday. I timed myself and all up it took 11 hours 27 minutes.
I was wondering how long it would usually take? What would be a reasonable time to swap a transaxle over in a type 1?
Just for piece of mind I will be having it checked by a mechanic that knows what he's doing tomorrow afternoon before I head off to see the family in Newcastle this weekend. Hate for something to come undone in a 110 zone.
No air tools, no hoist, nothing but a tool box and a jack.
What took the greatest amount of time I guess was double checking everything. I stuffed up once by not loosening the hub nuts before I started to get the handbrake cables undone. I also lost an hour trying to get enough weight on the new axles hubnuts and not have the wheel turn. Needed to rig up a way to have the wheel locked so I could swing off the bar to break the tension.
Yes I'm aware that the 1500 has the taller gearing, hence why the 1500 is only temporary. It will be the 1300 that will be reconditioned. The 1500 is just filling the space till I can get that done. Will see how it goes this weekend.
Since I haven't done it before and with no help I think I did ok. I was pleased to have it done in the weekend and back on the road. The peoples home I did it at weren't convinced it still wouldn't be there come Monday.
I know what I need now so I'm actually looking forward to changing it back again. This time I'm going to aim to do it in under 8. I think thats a fair figure.
4 to 5 - I would be guessing your an old hand at it Craig. Thats pretty good. I'd be fairly impressed with my self if I could manage that. What surprised me the most was the weight of everything. The transaxle was fairly light as was the motor. Both were really just awkward.
Anyhow - thanks for replying. 4 - 5 is a good goal. I'll keep that in mind.
Now - decisions decisions. How do i convince the wife airtools can mix cake mix. 🙂
Bronze.
Rathmines, Lake Macquarie, NSW.
Craig Torrens6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion
