Gear rod removal

[Vanilla]

Hi,
Manual 1977 p911s 2.7lt.
The gear change rod that joins the gear stick to the shift rod coupling needs to be removed to repair or replace due to a split in the metal tubing near the shift leaver ball cup. I’ve been told the only way to remove, is a engine and gear box drop.
*Wondering if there’s an easier way?
*If not, how far you need to lower the engine/ gearbox to slide the rod out?
*using a trolley jack to remove the gearbox and engine as one unit is it still best to place the trolley jack underneath the sump plate like you would just removing the engine or will be out of balance when lowering?

Thanks
Mitchell

[MBEngineering]

HI Mitchell

if you remove the parts from the rod inside the car,

then under the car, jack up the engine to take the weight,

remove the gearbox mounting from the gearbox and car,

carry on jacking the gearbox up as far as it will go, check for clearance on the fuel pipes and don't forget to keep a check on the speedo cable or the wire

you will, with a bit of a twist and a pull be able to get the shifter rod out, it will be tight at one point,

I have changed 3-4 like this on a car lift, just position the support jack so you can work and not right under near the gearbox where you will be working.

regards mike

[Vanilla]

Hi Mike, thanks for replying to my question, that’s great news!

Just want to check that I understand the basic principle.

1. To slide damaged shift rod through the same hole as the transmission selector rod hole by lifting the gear box high enough for the shift rod to slide out underneath the transmission gear selector rod. (Yes) (no)

2. Question regarding the trolley jack placement. Do I place the trolley jack underneath the sump plate (as per usual lift) remove the gear box mount and use another jack to raise the gear box? Or will the gear box automatically head for the sky once the gear box mounting bracket is removed?

3. Do not have to remove axles or loosen rear engine mount bolts (yes) (No)

Thanks again for your generosity & knowledge
Mitchell

[MBEngineering]

HI Mitchell

1. To slide damaged shift rod through the same hole as the transmission selector rod hole by lifting the gear box high enough for the shift rod to slide out underneath the transmission gear selector rod. (Yes) (no)

" yes, just jack the engine/box up untill you can pull the rod out under the box, it will come sofar back and then you may have to twist and pull down on it to clear the gearbox case"

2. Question regarding the trolley jack placement. Do I place the trolley jack underneath the sump plate (as per usual lift) remove the gear box mount and use another jack to raise the gear box? Or will the gear box automatically head for the sky once the gear box mounting bracket is removed?

"I would put the jack under the engine (depanding on the size of the jack you are using) between the oil strainer plate and the flywheel, you will not need a 2nd jack, the engine and box will go up , a good idear would be to get your mate to slowly gack it up when you have the box mounting removed
I take it you have the car on axle stands, or have you the car on a 2 post lift ?"

3. Do not have to remove axles or loosen rear engine mount bolts (yes) (No)

"you will not need to remove any axles/CV joints, or the engine mountings, just keep a eye on the fuel pipes and the starter wires, may be best to take the battery earth lead off to be on the safe side"

regards mike

[Vanilla]

Thanks again Mike,

I successfully extracted the gear rod just as you explained.

Regards
M

[MBEngineering]

HI Mitchel

did you manage to sort out the linkage shaft and get it back in the car OK?

[911pcars]

After removing the shift housing assy., there might be enough room to repair (MIG-weld or?) the front end of the shift tube without removing it. It all depends. Can you upload a pic of the damage?

Sherwood

[MBEngineering]

HI Sherwood

I was asking if the job was a now working OK, as it was some time ago and as Mitchel has managed to get the shaft out of the car for repair, but has not come back to let us know if the job was good

[jknapp]

MBEngineering Mike - your method worked for me. Thanks! Much better than removing the engine. My old rod is out and the new one is in. It definitely helps to have two people. In my case, my hydraulic floor jack caused a little trouble because, as a lever, it pulled the engine and trans just a bit rearward. That was enough to cause some alignment problems. A simple scissor jack was a big help. It only lifts straight up. And it was more slowly adjustable when I was lowering everything back into place.

[john walker's workshop]

Pull the shifter and drill 2 or 3 holes through the tube and plug weld with your wire feed. Saves a lot of time. If there's a crack, weld that up in the process. And if you disconnect the coupler, you can roll it over and drill/plug weld the other side too.