I've used a modified Sierra g/box mount under my type 9 box, and used the standard bell-shaped washer to fasten it. Looking under my car today I can see that the washer really sticks out and could easily catch on something. It's not as low as the front of the bellhousing, but it's close, and it could really hook up on something due to its shape.

What I want to know is, does this bell-shaped washer have to be used - is there some reason for its shape - or can I just use a big, thick, flat washer in its place?

cheers,

David


[Edited on 31/10/04 by David Jenkins]

I just used a big flat washer. No problems so far.

I think it is something to do with supporting the exhaust on a sierra, mine went the way of the dodo!

it's a long time since i binned mine and went for a flat washer, so can't remember its exact size, but could it be to stop the gearbox jumping out of its mount should the bush fail?

if that's the case surely you've got bigger problems than that!

feel free to shoot that theory down as i forget just how big/small it was

anyway
tom

If others have managed without it, then it's heading for the bin!



Ta,

David

Don't bin it if you're going to mount a spare wheel on the back panel, it makes a handy fixing washer for the wheel centre!

when I looked at mine (a couple years back now) I had the view that it acts to limit the upper and sideways travel of the gearbox so that it doesnt break the rubber.

If i recall, the lower part of the bell will contact the aperture the rubber is mounted in.

thats if you kept the original maetalwork that mounts the rubber....

nothing was mounted off it on my donor. The fact that ford felt a more expensive part than a simple washer was needed kinda makes me think it outa be there......


atb

steve