Just started welding the transmission tunnel and I’m having problems working out how far apart to weld tubes e & f.

In the McSorley Rear Bulkhead Layout it shows them both 2” from the centre line. On page 56 of Ron’s second addition it shows one at 2”, the other at 3.5”.

I welded both of mine at 2” apart, however after looking at the picture on page 76 that shows the propshaft, I measured the flange on the back axle and it’s 4.25” in diameter, so 2” doesn’t seem far enough apart. How far apart have others welded these tubes and does it leave enough space to fit a decent sized seat?

Also I’m fitting a 1300 escort 4-speed gearbox. In the future this may be changed, so can anyone recommend a good width for the gearbox end of the transmission tunnel that still leaves a reasonable sized foot well?


[Edited on 2/11/02 by MarkD]

If you mean the tubes at the top and bottom nearest the rear bulkhead then the book is correct. The left hand one is 2" to the left of the centreline and the right hand one is 3.5" to the right. This is to accomodate the offset of the differential. My chassis is as per book, no mods and the Escort mk2 rear axle fits perfectly.
As for the gearbox end you can fit a Ford type9 5 speed in with no mods reqd. as I may be doing over the winter.
Good luck

Mark, the width also depends on whether you are having live axle suspension or not. With IRS or Dedion, you do not have to allow room for the diff casing and prop to travel up and down due to suspension movement. In this situation, 4" would be OK. IIRC the measurement is taken from the centre line to the inside of the trans. tunnel rails, the rail size itself giving the extra clearance you need. If its live axle, you will need the RC measurements.
HTH Stu.

Thanks Chris, these are the tubes that I meant.

This means that I should be able to get away with just grinding out and moving tube f, rather than having to move both of the tubes and the Panhard Rod support tube (Z).

Following on from this topic.. last night fitted axle as per above and with book dimension.. axle fits great.. however, now the stupid question.. does this mean that the propshaft is meant to be fitted at an angle from right to left when looking down on chassis from rear? My axle is square in chassis but prop shaft is now VERY close to rhs of transmission tunnel and gearbox is on centre line.??????

Cmon guys... this is a cry for help

I need to know answer for above b4 i weld in floor..

Mega important question (well it is to me )

I have a similar problem. The prop is at an angle and only just fits. What I have found is there is more than 1 type of prop shaft.

I ordered the "Free with orders over £500" one from Lolocost. They don't have the correct splined ends to fit the 4 sp Escort box, so I sent them the end of my original (single piece off an 1100).

Turns out the diameter of my prop is an inch or so wider than theirs, so had to send in the rest of it.

So my free prop cost ME over £60. in supplying all the parts and 2 lots of postage!!

Whinge over and now to the point

I believe my lack of clearance is due to the prop being wider than normal. From memory they expected 50-70mm.

I can check tonight and (if I can find my camera) take a photo to show you. . .

Just sent you a previous pic that shows my setup.

Hello john same problem with me can i see the picture as well

I have an evening in the garage planned for tonight, so I'll fit g'box / prop / axle and photo from above . .
Is tomorrow ok?

Thanks for mail... i have sent a reply. Looks like I have larger dia prop also. Would really like high res photo as per my mail. tx

Pictures sent. Total files are around 2.5Mb

Hi John thanks for pictures mines the same but thinner propshaft.