legerra gearbox

[James paton]

im looking at possible options for a 5 speed box to fit in my leggera over the winter i could go for the type 9 box but they are getting pricey these days and i would have to change/do some chassis mods to get it in there .so i was thinkin mx5 or rx8 i believe these are both rwd boxes but im not sure of size in comparison to the type 9  also the prop could be an issue if they are different splines .any one with experience on this ??? your advice would be appreciated 

[James paton]

 well ive been at the legerra most of the afternoon engine and gearbox matched up nicely and dropped down on the engine mounts no problem so very happy its all going back together back to work tomorrow but will get a few hrs on her after that ive got some pics that i will load up all i have had to do really is move the gearbox mounting point to let it sit back 3 1/2 inch aprox so i was able to use the original 4 speed prop i welded the new plate in place to hold the gearbox up with the rubber mount attached .as you have to cut the old mounting points off i intend to attach a side to side 1"sq box section to replace the side impact protection 

[James paton]

hi adrian thanks for the info im thinkin that my leggey is the same as your white one i am off work tomorrow and plan an attempt at fitting the engine will up date as soon asap  

[Adrian Southgate]

Type E also used a different colour gear stick from the type 2 and 3 although it is a 'saddle' selector.

[Adrian Southgate]

The main differences apart from those stated in the blurb...

Type 9 had a shorter casting on the back to make up for the spacer casting with the 5th gear in on which the mount was further back.

Type 9 has a 3 bolt stick fixing.

Bellhousing, input shaft, clutch and output shaft all match.

[Adrian Southgate]

Ford Type 9 Gearbox Guide

Ford’s first RWD 5 speed box, based on the Type E. Cast iron maincase with alloy tail housing. This gearbox is commonly used for 5 speed conversions on older vehicles. Some later versions were available with integral bellhousings, although they are more commonly found with removable bellhousings. A 4wd version of this box was also available for the early XR4x4 models. 1" x 23 spline input shaft. Fitted in:

• Ford Capri 1.6 / 2.0 Feb 1983 on
• Ford Capri 2.8 Nov 1982 on
• Ford Sierra 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 to Dec 1988
• Ford Sierra XR4i
• Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.8

Oil capacity: 2wd 1.9 litres, 4wd 1.25 litres (plus 0.5 litres in transfer box). 
Standard oil grade 75W90 semi-synthetic.

[Adrian Southgate]

'Ere you go...

Ford Type E Gearbox Guide

Ford 4 speed single rail gearbox, used for more demanding applications than the Type 3 box. It is available most often without an integral bellhousing, although later boxes (usually found in Sierras) had integral bellhousings. 

Cast iron maincase with alloy tail housing. Often referred to as the ‘Rocket’ box. (Rocket is the name of the original close-ratio competition gearbox that was based on the Type E). 1" x 23 spline input shaft. Fitted in:

• Ford Capri 1.6 / 2.0 82 on
• Ford Cortina Mk3 2.0
• Ford Cortina Mk4 / Mk5 1.6GT / 2.0 / 2.3
• Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 / Mk2
• Ford Escort RS Mexico Mk2
• Ford Sierra 1.6 / 2.0

Oil capacity 1.5 litres. Standard oil grade SAE80.

[James Doulton]

I have a Type 5 in the garage - it's ~31" long, which I think is about 1" longer than the Type 9.

[Adrian Southgate]

I know my white leggy was a four speed but when I restored it using a type 9 in the green shell I used the same prop, just had to move that gearbox mount. Obviously the one you had was the same type of gearbox.

[Adrian Southgate]

There is a possibility that one of the 6 cylinder gearboxes would have matched closely, maybe the type 5 or the 2000E box but to be honest I can't be sure.

[James paton]

dont know tbh  i think it leaves it around the same as the mount for the gearbox was moved to let the gearbox sit further back to reach the prop (around 3 " back ) i will know better once i try fitting the engine but i have took a rough measure tonight and it looks like there's plenty room whether the engine mounts etc will match up or need moving i will let you know i like the wee car i just felt thet the 5th gear will be better on the longer journeys i would like to get down to some of the shows like stonelee maybe this year