Turns out it’s not the gearbox tunnel!!!?

[Callum123]

So I was struggling to get the gearbox tunnel to fit and as it turns out, I actually think it could be the seat box!

[Callum123]

Does anyone have the dimensions of what a seat box should measure it looks like mine is about 2 inches too big!
from bulkhead to the face.

[AR4412]

Measurement from the tub end.

IMG_20250120_151138.jpg (2.39 MiB) Viewed 4349 times

Measurement from the bulkhead A post.

IMG_20250120_151338.jpg (2.56 MiB) Viewed 4349 times

Regards,

[Callum123]

Thanks you I’m not really sure where I’m going wrong but from what I can see I’m about an inch short in room for the gearbox tunnel. At first I thought it was the tunnel it’s self but now I’m thinking it must be the seat box it’s self.

[AR4412]

A few more measurements for you from the lightweight here. All approximate as done with a tape measure.

From the front face of the seatbox above the gearbox, to the bulkhead firewall panel, is 360mm. From the seatbox as above, to the face of the gearbox cover panel, is 310mm. The gearbox tunnel measured at the top, is 300mm.

Your seatbox looks to be bolted down to the chassis bracket alongside the gearbox correctly,

Regards,

[Callum123]

So I think I’ve found the culprit! All the body measures up perfect so I can only assume the gearbox to too far back by 2 inches!!! Me and a couple pals were scratching our heads so we took the engine mounts off and we decided that if we elongated the gearbox mounts and re fab the engine mounts we could move the engine forward. What do you all think ? Your opinions help massively thank you

[Callum123]

You can see it here

[AR4412]

Is there enough room to move your engine forwards? The V8's water pump is closed enough to the radiator as it is. Any further forwards and you run the risk of it contacting under hard braking or hitting a large bump unless your gearbox has a tie bar fitted.

Before carrying out any surgery make sure that if it has a tie bar fitted that it isn't that holding the gearbox rearwards, and check to make sure that the gearbox mounting wedges on the crossmember are fitted the right way around as they are handed. The one with the slot gap in it goes on the left.

It may be a simpler and easier solution to modify the hole in the gearbox tunnel. Mine touched the selector housing at the rear, meaning the grommet wouldn't fit until I enlarged the hole. On a later rebuild I rounded the hole and fitted a modified Defender gearbox gaiter.

Regards,

[AR4412]

Have you persuaded that gearbox tunnel to fit yet?

Regards,

[Jamie]

No help at all Callum, but I'd be interested in having that gearbox tunnel cover off you if it is going spare now and not needed.