The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

My 1850 based kit car has just started to make a noise when I drive off and change gear. Its more of a rattle noise.
I have tried moving the car back and forth out of gear to check diff and prop shaft but it seems to be ok. The prop shaft UJ's seem solid and there doesn't seem to be a noise from the diff. When I put it in gear and rock the car forward in all gears including reverse the noise is apparent more towards the gearbox end rather than the rear. Rocking the car backwards it is not as bad.

Any idea what it could be or any other tests I could do?

Also if I have to take the gearbox out is it difficult to modify and fit overdrive. I am not worried about the length of the prop shaft as it has been cut down anyway. The car is a 1972 but not sure if it is three rail or single gearbox.

Gary

Not sure about the noise, but as for overdrive, the easiest way would be to get an overdrive box. You would also need the selector mechanism and to changing the mounting arrangements. Since you have a kit car, I assume you have the ability to fabricate anything you would need.

To convert your current box would require a different mainshaft, as well as the overdrive. I assume that dismantling a gearbox holds no fears for you, but the problem will be sourcing an overdrive mainshaft.

Re. overdrive, Mike Papworth is your man.

Thanks guys about the overdrive.

Correction to my previous post. I makes more noise when I rock it backwards than forwards but it is the same noise whatever gear I try it in.