Fitting 2nd gear locking pins

[rolesyboy]

I’m having a real job fitting the 2nd gear locking pins on an 3 synchro gearbox. 22G68 type.
I can’t seem to get the two opposing pins pushed in simultaneously and then lower the locking ring enough to knock it round.
Tried multiple times but it’s got the better of me.
It has 26 individual needle rollers that sit under two ‘half’ moon shaped washers. Trying to get these in place is something I’ve done before but this one has me beat. These early boxes don’t have the corresponding access holes drilled in to each side of cone/taper. The third gear single pin is much easier but this is a real swine.
Any top tips from the forum members gratefully received. I think MG Midgets are fitted with similar gear set ups
Thanks in advance
Mark

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[Stoneface]

Get a piece of stiff wire, coat hanger, welding rod
Bend it into a U shape and then bend a little of each end 90 degrees inwards to the U
You can then use the U like a pair of tweazers with the 2 bent ends pushing both pins in at once.
Hopefully thats understandable

[rolesyboy]

Ooh, that could be an option. Will report back as soon as I have found a wire coat hanger. Thanks a lot for that suggestion.
I’m really interested to understand how it was done at the factory. Its definitely a pain in the ass of a job. So much easier if the cone has the access holes drilled

[gogsymac]

I’m having a real job fitting the 2nd gear locking pins on an 3 synchro gearbox. 22G68 type.
I can’t seem to get the two opposing pins pushed in simultaneously and then lower the locking ring enough to knock it round.
Tried multiple times but it’s got the better of me.
It has 26 individual needle rollers that sit under two ‘half’ moon shaped washers. Trying to get these in place is something I’ve done before but this one has me beat. These early boxes don’t have the corresponding access holes drilled in to each side of cone/taper. The third gear single pin is much easier but this is a real swine.
Any top tips from the forum members gratefully received. I think MG Midgets are fitted with similar gear set ups
Thanks in advance
Mark B8901DDA-E851-416B-9E66-DB55E9E88755.jpeg
B32778F1-8FD2-441E-B2AA-FC0C5C4BD6BF.jpeg

I (and no doubt many others) had a problem getting this to work. I am not sure if you have seen the "Gearbox Rebuild " thread started by Mr Rusty850 further down this section but it may have a few bits of info which may help you. It took me a few days of trying (and a fair bit of bad language) to do it before I got the two pins to fit in.

[iain1967s]

It took a while, but I eventually managed to do them using a pair of the smallest size screwdrivers from a ‘jewelers’ set. Helps to have at least three hands though, two on the screwdrivers and one to jiggle the collar down

[rolesyboy]

Thanks for the replies (& confirmation that I am not alone/mad) folks. I reckon I’ve made about 6 one hour attempts at this now. Driving me nuts. Tried inventing tools for the job using stainless welding wire, hacksaw blades, cut down kitchen knives, stereo pins but cannot get the bloody lock ring to seat. It really is the most tricky job on a Mini I have come across
Any more suggestions welcomed. Should have had the box built in a day!!

[rolesyboy]

FINALLY CRACKED IT!!
New approach this evening and took less than 10 minutes on my own. Never to be repeated though
Made up some different tools from thicker gauge welding wire Pounded it flat and added a few appropriate bends to suit the profile of the gear. Managed to slip them behind and the lock ring nudged it to place. God knows how but this time it worked.
Now officially listed as the worst possible job to do on a Mini.
Unless anybody begs to differ....
Thanks for the replies and private messages folks.