Sprint overdrive removal in car

[Dolomitejohn]

Hi all.
Does anyone know if its possible to remove the overdrive with the gearbox in the car? Long story but would be interesting to know and also what else needs to come off to do so.
Thanks all
John

[xvivalve]

Other models it is quite easy, but with the Sprint you have to drop the back of the subframe so you can angle the 'box downwards which complicates things. I managed to get one off once, but found I then had to take the 'box out to put it back on as working half in the transmission tunnel was too restrictive; I was working on the floor though, a ramp or pit might be easier...

[MIG Wielder]

Yes, this is possible on the Sprint. I had to do DHO like this. As Alun says you have to drop the rear of the subframe, I also ran the front nuts down but still retained by the nylocs; you have to disconnect the steering shaft and also the heater hoses.
Then when refitting you have to look down inside the overdrive and line up the splines with a long screwdriver. Then without disturbing this alignment you carefully slide the overdrive back on. It will go straight back on if it all stays in alignment.
I remember when I did mine, I did an experimental line up and it went on first time. But because of the angle of the gearbox and the weight of the overdrive it would all start to slide off again before I could get even one nut on the studs.
It took a good couple of hours of retrying after that to align things again , get it on and bolted up.
Good luck with it,
Tony.