[Healeys] BJ7 gearbox assembly problems?

[Randy Dickson]

Fellow Healeyoids,

I'm having a difficult time assembling My 63 BJ7 centershift gearbox.  I
can't seem to get the laygear in with the thrust washers.  The thrust
washers are too thick!  I have a rebuilt #3649 laygear, courtesy of AH
Spares.  It has a new first gear nicely welded to it.  It has been
refurbished and appears to be hardened and really nice.  However, it appear
to be too long and there is no room for the thrust washers to fit.  It looks
like the thrust end of the laygear (nearer the first gear) is too long.
Could I grind this down to the appropriate length?  That would be very tough
to do equally around the diameter of the laygear.   Or,  should I look for a
new laygear?  I bought this like six years ago, so I doubt that I could
exchange it.  Also, I am using the original BJ7 gearbox case.  Please
advise!  Thanks!

 

Randy

Healey Archaeologist

63 BJ7

60 BT7

66 Cobra replica

06 Mini Cooper S