Replacing the Hyd Throw Out Brg / Tranny Removal

NJ2000R · #1 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 12:29 PM

I purchased my ERA about 90% complete from someone who didnt quite know what they were doing. It has alot of neat components (427 SO, 4spd TL, Halibrand Quick Change rear, Accusump, etc) but I have to go over the car completely, and re-do the stuff that wasnt quite done correctly or safely.

The first thing I'm attacking is the Hyd TO Brg, since it failed about 20 minutes after leaving home. Actually, I think its more a case of the line leaking after making contact with the spinning parts because there were no stops in place. I read in an earlier post that removing the interior and pan was the easiest/best way to access the tranny, which was helpful, after studying the underneath of the car and saying "how the heck did they get this thing in here" with the frame blocking access to the driveshaft and tranny....

So, off to the garage I go to gut the interior

Thanksgiving dinner is in 2 hours

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 02:00 PM

There's no good reason not to change over to the standard lever-type throwout system. It's quite reliable and much easier (and cheaper) to service. Give us a call on Monday.

decooney · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 05:04 PM

NJ2000R,

As already mentioned, do yourself a favor and change to a standard external TO setup unless you'll learn to like pulling your seats/tunnel and transmission every once in a while... After trying two different high-quality internal hydraulic throwout bearings over a few years, and getting stranded a few times, it was real easy to see why getting back to basics was the right thing to do.

When the internal types are working, they work great. If everything is not perfectly within spec and tolerances at various points, they can become unreliable - quickly. When they go out for stupid reasons, it can be very frustrating. Seals pop out, lines leak, fittings get loose over time... Kind of clugey if you ask me. ERA uses a nice, clean, basic external configuration that I would strongly recommend changing to. Good Luck.

PatBuckley · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 05:50 PM

NJ-

I had the choice of both types and am going with a new hydraulic throw out bearing.

I have a complete ERA external set-up available for sale if you are interested. It is brand new. Email me if interested.

Pat Buckley

Jim Holden · #5 (**permalink**) 11-28-2003, 06:02 AM

Internal v. external:

The external version for the big block/TL is the way to go. Simplicity, serviceability, reliability. I have the internal version in my FIA and initially we had the trans in and out of the car four time before we changed the banjo fittings to a heavier duty brake style fitting. For the time being it is working, but I see no advantage over the external style setup.

Jim

PS: ...and ERA has a box of forks up in the loft if you can't locate one. My recollection is that there are two types. Check your TL to see which style you need.

NJ2000R · #6 (**permalink**) 11-28-2003, 07:52 AM

Everything came apart relatively easy....hardest part was unglueing the tunnel, man, that weatherstrip tape was stuck good! I'll call ERA on monday and discuss my options and get their input....Thanks guys, I'll keep ya updated....

Jim Holden · #7 (**permalink**) 11-28-2003, 08:08 AM

NJ:

Ask to speak with either Doug or Ritchie... They are the ones who actually put the motors and trans into the cars. They've done hundreds... of every combination possible.

Jim

NJ2000R · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 03:42 PM

Does anyone have a photo of the external or manual setups?

Before I call ERA, I wanted to see what options there were....

I took one of my setup with the tunnel removed. There isnt much room to work with....

a427sc · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 08:51 PM

While you got the camera out, how about some pics of the Halibrand rear set up?

Don

NJ2000R · #10 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 05:32 AM

ask and ye shall receive

I'll take some from underneath when I get a chance....

a427sc · #11 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 08:50 PM

I was curious about the position of the pinion relative to the rear crossmember. It's low (on the botton in fact) with the QC, a problem that also occurs with the Ford 9". The jag is quite a bit higher, and still close. How much did you notch the rear cross member? And how about gas tank clearance for the spur gears?
Something I always wanted to try, funds allowing.

Don

NJ2000R · #12 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 09:11 PM

its notched BIG time

I didnt build the car, I'm just finding and fixing all of the original owner's / builder's flaws

NJ2000R · #13 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 09:14 PM

Jim Holden · #14 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 11:18 AM

Cheeks:

I would think that the angle of the pinion relative to the angle of the drive train would be the issue. If the two are in parallel, then the universals (at least up to a point) would compensate for the offset.

It would be nice to see what the total rear suspension setup looks like.

Jim

PS: And just what else are you thinking about for "coonkiller" upgrades this winter? Isn't it about time that you repair the oil scoop or do you want to keep it a duck tape tearaway option?

Rick Bagley · #15 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 01:56 PM

On the HYD T O Bearing, I would bet it was never measured correctly for one and or it was never installed correctly. You MUST secure the two lines to keep them away from the rotating pressure plate and flywheel. I would take the HTO bearing over a slave cylinder on the FE engine every time.

Bluesman · #16 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 03:57 PM

I might just be an isolated case, but after 12 years and over 17,000 miles, the HTOB I measured for, ordered and installed has
been faithfull.

a427sc · #17 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 05:41 AM

Jimmy H I guess you didn't hear. The old McFEz mobile, aka coon killer, aka ol red, aka that gd piece of cr*p sum b!tchn mf'n ..... has a new home in VA with an owner well versed in the history and past glorys of said mf'er. Don't know whats next, but whatever it is, it will be rowdy, nasty and of shakey cosmetics. Happy Holidays

Cheeks

Jim Holden · #18 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:19 AM

Cheeks:

Nope, that little bit a news hasn't filtered out of New England!

What will/has taken its place?

Bye the bye do you plan to be in NB for the annual Italian food fight/holiday bombash Friday week?

Jim

NJ2000R · #19 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 06:47 AM

ERA recommended the external hydraulic/fork setup....all I have to do is finish pulling the tranny to see which spline it is, then order the parts....roughly 300 bucks....not too bad

Jim Holden · #20 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 08:51 AM

Cheeks:

In speaking with my sources at world headquarters, I am informed that they have no knowledge of what you're up to. I find it hard to believe that you have "lost interest" and have converted the coonkiller proceeds to something prosaic like... college tuition... or a dishwasher for the little lady, etc. etc.

Jim