Crating a transmission

[bgyglfr]

I have had a couple transmissions shipped to me in various containers and none of them seem to hold up. I sold this trans and thought I would put a little effort into packing it so it will survive the trip. I used a sheet of plywood and two 8' 2x3s. Let me know what you guys think.

Aluminum 915 came in just under 150lbs. Shipped FedEx from Illinois to Texas for $117.

[fanaudical]

Difficult to tell, but I would expect that transmission to slip laterally in the crate on a big bump.

This may sound weird, but I received a transmission from a very reputable rebuilder packed in a big hard-shell cooler (ice chest). The transmission was well contained and cushioned in the ice chest with additional styrofoam packing. The whole thing was wrapped in duct tape to keep it closed.

Transmission arrived in perfect condition and was easy to move (the ice chest had handles). His only requirement was that I ship the ice chest back when done.

[TRE Cup]

i second the ice chest route- works very well

[Alan Lindquist]

It's creative and shows great care for the unit. A lot of thought and measurement went into this. Sometimes new ideas can be improved. This looks to be a long way down the path.

[Scooter]

Ice chest +3.

[bgyglfr]

I mounted it at the bottom trans mount as well so it should stay in place. The ice chest sounds like a good idea as well. Anyone have pics of that method? I plan to ship another in a few weeks.
Kirk

[DCinVA]

I think that is fantastic. I like the way the wooden frame is bolted to the bellhousing. Looks very sturdy, and best of all cheap to build.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Difficult to tell, but I would expect that transmission to slip laterally in the crate on a big bump.

I don't have that expectation whatsoever regarding the OP's box.

I would fashion rope handles.

[javadog]

Usually, when building a crate, you run a piece of dimensional lumber along each joint and glue/screw the plywood to that. Running a screw into the end of a piece of plywood or OSB makes for a weak joint. I also usually put it on a pallet, so a pallet jack or forklift can pick it up.

I once built a crate for a BMW gearbox. It was hell for stout and the gearbox was attached to the crate at all of the mounting points used when installing it in the car. UPS managed to handly it roughly enough to break one of the mounting ears off the tranny. Ironically, this same gearbox came to me (from Germany) in a very lightweight plastic tub intended to store clothes, or sewing supplies. No padding was used, the tranny just rattled around inside. It was absolutely in tatters when I got it but there was no damage to the gearbox. Go figure.

My next one will get shipped in an ice chest.

JR

[javadog]

As a general idea of how I build a crate, here's a photo of one I made to ship a set of motorcycle forks to a guy in Europe. I usually rip a 2x4 in half for the material to build the frame around the thing. The thickness of the plywood used depends on what's in it and where's it going; the top, bottom and sides might all be different thicknesses:

[john walker's workshop]

here's the pic i send to customers who want to ship a trans to me. i need them to ship it in something i can reuse to ship it back.

[bgyglfr]

I used to work at ups in college. They don't use forks when you ship parcel. Only if it goes freight. I shipped fed ex parcel so it will be hand loaded on the trucks etc (it actually probably gets more abuse this way).

I like the idea of the rope handles. I think that would keep the box upright since the guys picking it up and moving it on the belts etc would want to use them.

Still would like to see the ice chest though. Sounds a lot quicker and easier to pack. Can you still make sub 150lbs for parcel shipping that way?

[bgyglfr]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

here's the pic i send to customers who want to ship a trans to me. i need them to ship it in something i can reuse to ship it back.

John,

That definitely takes mine a step farther. I like it.

[Bob Kontak]

JW's is definitely robust.

Mine was JW like but the top half was exposed but was strapped to bottom with turnbuckles and steel cable. Rope handles "balanced" so there was only one way to lift it (are they even allowed to lift over 100 lbs? - they guy at the UPS store just dead lifted it - suspect he was not supposed to). When Mayo sent it back they also wrapped it in heavy plastic as they filled it with trans fluid. Made it ok, but was riskier that fully enclosed.

Cost to ship was within a few dollars of cost above.

[Matt Monson]

I build crates similar to JW's. Though I use fewer supporting cross beams and instead criss cross the gearbox with tubular climbing webbing. You screw it down using washers to spread the load.

Even though 901 and 915 can go parcel I always ship all gearboxes freight. Actually cheaper and they do handle them better. I've seen crates show up parcel that clearly have been rolled off the end of the truck. Parcel is where the cooler method is king for that single reason.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Clean, quick, lightweight...



Works out to about a dollar/pound to ship FedEx. Pack with available materials; I like styrofoam blocks obtained from different sources (for free, of course)! One thing that I learned is to lay a single/double layer of cardboard in the bottom of the Igloo before lowering the trans into the container. Also, use a "picture frame" piece of foam between the bell housing and wall of the Igloo; this will protect the tip of the M/S, which is longer than the face of the bell housing.

[mattC2993]

G50-20 in a Cooler




ps if you are going to crate it put some 2x4's under it so a forklift can pick it up

[mreid]

915 in a cooler. Made it from the west coast to PA. Heavy cardboard was used under it and around the sides to shim it in place:

[Geneman]

Good Morning Peeps this is a fantastic thread. Thanks to all. Have been wondering about how to do this as I have G50 i would like to send to Matt for LSD install and new Pinion gearetc.

Does anyone know if the cooler method works on a G50. I assume they are a bit longer.
anyone know off hand what quart size Igloo works best with either 915 or G50 box. ( for some reason, I hesitate to take my G50 into the local fishing/camping store and trial fit before buying...)

Great thread Thanks

Frank

[mattC2993]

See my last post - its a G50/20