Series III Holden Conversion?

[I Love Lucy]

Hi all,

Last year I purchased 'Lucy' - an immaculate, licensed '81 Series III 2.3 petrol LWB wagon with a dodgy engine and transfer case for only $1,000. Good buy, or so I thought.

So far I have shelled out $4,800 to have the engine and transfer case rebuilt which was still worth it to me ,given the immaculate condition of the entire car.

Recently my gearbox started playing up and now I cannot select 3rd or 4th gear while the car is moving, but can while the car is stationary and idling, or turned off?

So, being not very mechanically minded I started fishing around for parts and found an older series landy ute with a recon Holden 186 that has a really sweet gearbox and clutch set up too! Runs like a dream!

The guy only wants $1,000 for it and it has new brakes, 5 good rims and tyres, new suspension and a few other goodies that I'd like for my rig... if they will fit?

So, do I buy it and do the conversion? Is it worth it and what is involved? Or, do I just nab the ute for the $1,000, take the parts I need and flog off the recon 186 to someone else?

Alternately, can anyone advise me on what might be the problem with my gearbox or where to source another one in Perth, WA?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated as always,

I.L.L. :)

In responding, you will need to talk to me like I am stupid ok? :) I'm no mechanic by any means!

[isuzurover]

Assuming you have checked the oil level in your box?

It sounds like you may have a problem with the 3/4 synchro hub, which is preventing engagement.

If the rest of the box is OK, it is fairly cheap and easy to replace, however will mean removing the gearbox.

[NiteMare]

as a quick indicator/check to see what might be the fault it is worth draining the oil from your gearbox to see what falls out

remove the drain plug carefully as it is like a cup and might hold any bits/chips so you can find them easier

a magnet on a stick into the dropped oil may reveal more bits

a nice clear photo of any bits dropped out and posted here and then folks will often be able to identify what parts they were originally part of

to be honest though i've a gearbox that i know is ropey and has lost the synchro clips in third/fourth, howls like a banshee in all gears and still selects and drives ok if i was brave enough to refit it and drive until it was totally dead, so i haven't a clue what your problem is

[akelly]

If your engine (the 2.25 landy one) is in good nick, DONT CONVERT TO HOLDEN!!!!!

I have a holden in my shorty, I wish it had the landy donk.

Swap the bits you want over and move the holden powered one one.

Cheers,

Adam

[30t of coolness]

I agree with NiteMare drain the oil & check for bits . Sounds like you have broken 1 or 2 of the detent springs in the syncro. Apparently they can be replaced without removing the box , just the top cover & shift forks. Grind a radius on one end of the new spring (to get them started) & push the new ones in.