gearbox compatability?

[mattyguk1]

hi all, ive currently got the engine out of my 1962 mk1 and am thinking of swapping the gearbox. its got its original "crash box" fitted but when i brought the mk1 the PO gave me a later box which he said was a straight swap just needing to swap the magic wand housing over from one to the other? before i start is there anyway i can be sure its a straight swap? would any of the stamped numbers tell me anything? anything i should look out for? thanks in advance matt

[ivor badger]

Basically any box will work on an 850, no crank clearance problems. What is not always interchangeable is the diff housing, they are a matched line bored pair with the gearbox. They can often be swapped because they make a reasonable matched set, but there is no gaurantee.

What exactly is the spare box?

[mk1]

Ivors words re the diff housing are VERY TRUE!

If you do decide to do the swap the diff housing will not fitt correctly, it may however fit well enough for you to use. The two parts are machined in one piece and swapping them from one box to the other prevents the two parts matching up correctly & giving a perfectly circular hole of the correct size. When you swap, check how the diff housing & gearbox match up, sometimes you can be lucky, if you are unlucky you will have a horrible uncurable oil leak at best & knackered diff bearings at worst.

Personally Speaking, I would never DO THIS SWAP.

[mattyguk1]

thanks chaps, the original box is a 22A363 and the newer one is a 22G68. sounds like the swap isnt a good idea then? are all the parts still available for a rebuild or it possible to have it rebuilt?

[ivor badger]

Where are you based? Clearing out garage and might have an 850 box from that time with B type gears.

[mattyguk1]

hi,im in gillingham kent. would that box be a direct swap without any of the above problems?

[Mini4Ever]

The 22A363 and 22G68 are interchangable without any issues if both are magic wand in this case.

[mattyguk1]

so no oil leaks or damaged bearings?

[Mini4Ever]

Eh... A complete 22A363 with its original diff housing can be replaced by a complete 22G68 with its original diff housing (and vice versa).