Gearbox removal

[eddierocks769]

Hi all! I have a 2000 XK8 Convertible which is supposed to be a rolling restoration. At the moment, it is more resting than rolling. I been advised that my gearbox needs to be replaced and I have set about removing the box myself. I have disconnected everything and removed all the bolts but have run into trouble trying to free it from the engine, as I can't get the roll pins/dowels out. Does anyone have any suggestions for the best way to remove them? Also, the four exhaust bracket bolts sheared in situ. They look as if they are only tapped on the engine side of the bell housing. Is this the case? They also appear to have had a Locktite substance used which is probably the reason only these bolts sheared. Any help would be greatly appreciated as my wife is giving me hell for taking so long.

[mike020150]

There shouldn't be a need to remove any dowels in order to remove the gearbox. It sounds more like a question of ensuring you have removed not only all of the bell housing bolts and oil cooler pipes but also the three drive plate to torque converter bolts. Then, the box should slide rearwards. To avoid the risk of damaging it, keep the torque converter pressed towards the gearbox during the removal process. Mike.

[eddierocks769]

Thanks for your reply Mike. All of the bolts are out with the exception of the four exhaust bracket bolts which sheared. It looks a if it is only the engine bell housing which is tapped but, maybe, these are gripping the gearbox side. The torque converter is disconnected and spinning free from the flywheel. It looks as if brute force and imaginative engineering is required.