Thursday, December 29, 2011 - 11:17 pm, by: Warren Bassett(Warrenk)
Although the car I have is not a Soarer it has a R154 gearbox bolted to a a stock standard 1UZ. The car weights about 1150kg and the problem is that it is not wanting to stay in first gear. As soon as I take off it comes out of first gear. Even when I hold it in first gear it still wants to spring out of gear when I drive off. Before I pull out the gearbox(which involves pulling out the motor as well) I would like to eliminate any problems that it might be. If anyone has any ideas what could be the problem they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Warren
Dan McColl Goo Roo Victoria (The Nazi State) Pretty Red Thing and The Black Rattler
Friday, December 30, 2011 - 11:02 am, by: Warren Bassett(Warrenk)
I have had the gear lever out and everything looks OK. The gearbox works OK if I take off in second gear with no noises. Next I will drain the oil and check for unwanted foreign objects.
Monday, January 02, 2012 - 05:44 pm, by: James Johnson(Jimbo)
In short Warren it sounds like the first gear thrust washer has gone.
I believe that when the first gear thrust washer goes then the gearbox will pop out of first gear like you are experiencing. This means taking the box out and stripping it down to replace 1 washer. It is a common fault with the factory R154 as the design for the oil groves in the washer make it weak so you need to replace it with an aftermarket one.
I am in the process of doing a R154 manual conversion to my UZZ31 soarer and I decided to replace the washer now before I get what you have once the box goes in.
I have the Factory workshop manual if you need it as I know people in the automotive industry I had a mate do my rebuild for $500 as I supplied the box, washer and the manual and he had it done in I think 6 hours.
Friday, January 06, 2012 - 09:54 pm, by: Warren Bassett(Warrenk)
Hi James, After looking through the internet I came to the same conclusion as you mentioned. I have already ordered a new thrust washer, a heavy duty bearing plate and billet 1-2 shifter fork from Marlin Crawler. I will get the rebuild kit from Driftmotion at this stage. Thanks for offer of the workshop manual, but I am not doing the rebuild myself. There is a good gearbox shop (Mal Wood Automotive) that I will be getting to rebuild the box. I hope this will be the last time I have to remove the gearbox.
Saturday, January 07, 2012 - 04:59 am, by: James Johnson(Jimbo)
All good Warren. Please when you get the chance would you be able to post up some pics of that AC Cobra, I would love exactly what you have got to be honest but built around the chassis of a Supra to keep suspension and brakes etc easy to modify.
Saturday, January 07, 2012 - 02:45 pm, by: Warren Bassett(Warrenk)
James, The car has R32 GTR rear suspension and a modified commodore front end with coilovers and fabricated A arms. I am in the process of installing an Opcon 420 supercharger and installing a stand alone ECU. So it is all happening at once as well as the gearbox. Enough work to keep me busy for months.