I Don't Believe It!!!

[HoraceM22]

Having removed the engine and 'box for an engine rebuild, I was amazed to see that all that takes the weight of the gearbox to chassis are 2 x 8mm bolts. Yes I know the two big ones spread the load but I mean, 2 x 8mm. I thought "that's taking weight saving to extremes."

[4129R]

The front of the gearbox is supported by the bellhousing attached to the engine, and the rear of the gearbox is supported by the 2 x 1/2" bolts which go through the rubber mountings attached to the rear chassis hoop.

Where are these 2 x 8mm bolts to which you refer?

[gideon]

There are two 8x100mm bolts that connect the gearbox mounting bracket to the gearbox.

A single 8mm, grade 8.8, bolt can take over 2 metric tons in tension, and a similar amount in single shear.   I think that is good enough.

[Dreamer]

Having removed the engine and 'box for an engine rebuild, I was amazed to see that all that takes the weight of the gearbox to chassis are 2 x 8mm bolts. Yes I know the two big ones spread the load but I mean, 2 x 8mm. I thought "that's taking weight saving to extremes."

Clever lad that Colin, eh!

 

[HoraceM22]

It was more that seeing the mounting bracket to the chassis is held by two chunky 12mm bolts and the bracket to the gearbox is the weakest link with 8mm studs in my case but going into the aluminium casting of the 'box, which look quite flimsy in comparison.

[gideon]

Clever lad that Colin, eh!

Actually, that part is pure Renault.

[HoraceM22]

Yes, I'm sure.
It would have required a major mod to beef up the casting as Rolls-Royce would have done, although looking at the metal around the studs, I think it could take studs a few sizes bigger.

[BDA]

I don't think the problem with the design is the lack of strength. I'm not aware of any issues with holding 365 or 352 trannies up or securing them to their mounting plates. The worst part is that since the suspension is attached to the tranny and the tranny is mounted to the frame via rubber mounts, there can be movement in the tranny is detrimental to handling.

Having said that, I don't know of anyone who has complained about the handling of a stock TCS!

[Bryan Boyle]

***DELETIA***.

Having said that, I don't know of anyone who has complained about the handling of a stock TCS!

Once I replaced the rubber bushings on the lower arms and put new shocks in with unperished bushings, and replaced the rear metalastic bushings from the dogbone to the tranny back in September...the rear end tightened up measurably, and going over bumps no longer produced a tank-slapping wiggle of the car.  Can't wait to do the front end with fresh shockers and new bushings in the wishbones and roll bar.