6 replies to this topic

[MiniCarJack]

I'm currently attempting an engine swap in my Mk1 and it's very close to completion, but I'm a bit stuck with re-connecting the driveshafts to the outputs on the gearbox. My issue is that I'm finding it damned near impossible to fit the rubber coupling back into place before resting the engine in its proper place and securing the mounts. No matter what I try (moving the engine, moving the driveshaft around, rotating the shaft and/or the output on the gearbox), I just can't seem to get it to fit back in to where it should be.

 

This picture might be helpful:

 

 

As you can see the rubber coupling is currently attached to the drive shaft, but just won't sit properly where it should on the gearbox end. No amount of jiggling and maneuvering seems to have got me any closer on this side. I just about managed to get it in place on the drivers' side, probably because the driveshaft is longer and I had more space to play with.

 

Any advice, tips and info on how to tackle this job?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Leonrjohnson]

You can normally fit just 1 of the rubber crosses to the gearbox and move the engine around to get it to engage the axle before doing up the mounts. The easiest way to connect the other one is to disconnect the top ball joint of the hub from the top suspension arm with the wheel off and jacked up, then pull the hub and axle out far enough to get the rubber cross in position. Then reconnect the top ball joint.

[Dan]

Have you serviced the sliding joints on the shafts? Are they moving properly?

[mk3 Cooper S]

Think about fitting some aftermarket nylon bearing type ones and save the future pain.

 

I fit them to the gearbox these days and then slide in the shaft afterwards.

[dklawson]

Think about fitting some aftermarket nylon bearing type ones and save the future pain.

 

 

I anticipate that there would be no less headache with the QL-5000 nylon joints.  Regardless of nylon or rubber, I suggest following Leon's advice about the upper ball joint.  Move the yoke on the shaft out of the way, drop the engine into place, then connect the driveshaft yoke to the cross.

[mk3 Cooper S]

 

Think about fitting some aftermarket nylon bearing type ones and save the future pain.

 

 

I anticipate that there would be no less headache with the QL-5000 nylon joints.  Regardless of nylon or rubber, I suggest following Leon's advice about the upper ball joint.  Move the yoke on the shaft out of the way, drop the engine into place, then connect the driveshaft yoke to the cross.

 

No easier to fit just more durable

[dklawson]

No easier to fit just more durable

 

 

I have been advised that the current batch of reproduction QL-5000 joints may have fit issues.  This is hearsay and I am only repeating the experience a friend had.  

 

I agree that the earlier QH brand ones are a welcome improvement over the rubber cross.  For future reference, should you happen to have an old set of QL-5000 joints and the u-joint fails, do NOT throw them out.  If the nylon cups are still intact you can press out the failed metal u-joint and replace it with a Triumph TR6 propshaft u-joint.