Keeping my car a roller with engine out.

[Richard48Y]

I recall seeing a post recently about how to fabricate a tool to keep the car a roller with the engine out.
Naturally I can no longer locate it. Tried search but apparently I do not remember the correct magic phrase.
Anyone able to point the way for me?

[jbcollier]

Here's what I did:



Mine has a twin link which helps a great deal.  You have to fab something for the half shaft ends to plug into.

[Richard48Y]

OK, I have an axle coupling design in my head.
Also a lathe, mill, and indexing tool.
Seems a bit complex to mill a spline so I hope for a simpler solution.
In any case I need dimensions of the spline and a width across the diff if I am to make a tool in advance.
Since I have no spare trans I'm hoping some one may have a drawing?

[jbcollier]

No need for a spline.  Just a piece of round bar that fits inside the spline.  When the weight is on the wheels, the half shafts are pushed inward so they will stay on.

[Richard48Y]

I believe that is correct, I tend to make things more "Trick" than necessary in initial design.
So what I actually need is the minor ID of the stubs and overall width of the output shafts.
Two shafts and a spacer tube should work. -==-
One long shaft and spacer tube would probably work but might be hard to make turns with, like a locked diff.

I will also have to fab a fixture for the lower links but that should be simple.

[lotusfanatic]

I'm glad that Richard asked that question (Thanks for the response JB!)

My (standard) car would need a similar device to be fabricated to prevent the car from becoming a static obstacle.

Effectively the tool would be a dummy transmission with pins (and bearings) to allow the driveshafts to turn without fretting or damaging the driveshafts.

Mark

[Dilkris]

In any case I need dimensions of the spline and a width across the diff if I am to make a tool in advance.
Since I have no spare trans I'm hoping some one may have a drawing?

My gearbox (365) is out and on the bench in the process of assembly - I will photograph and measure for you today if this helps. I have also sent you a PM.   

[Richard48Y]

I'm glad that Richard asked that question (Thanks for the response JB!)

My (standard) car would need a similar device to be fabricated to prevent the car from becoming a static obstacle.

Effectively the tool would be a dummy transmission with pins (and bearings) to allow the driveshafts to turn without fretting or damaging the driveshafts.

Mark

Unless being moved around a LOT, I think it can be very simple, no bearings but yes to some grease.
I break ground on my new shop Thursday.
Having a hard time waiting for completion.

[jbcollier]

+1 on no bearings, just a grease-up, fixed shaft.  You don't even have to be close on the measurements.  You are just pushing it around the shop.

[Dilkris]

In any case I need dimensions of the spline and a width across the diff if I am to make a tool in advance.
Since I have no spare trans I'm hoping some one may have a drawing?

My gearbox (365) is out and on the bench in the process of assembly - I will photograph and measure for you today if this helps. I have also sent you a PM.

For Richard48Y - please see attached photo's. "Yes" it was not simple measuring across the gearbox - (I don't have calipers large enough to do this) - so some "men and his shed technology" which anyone rebuilding a Europa has bucket loads of  was adopted -  - I think however that the method employed will be accurate enough for you to do with what you want.
The drive shafts (into the diff) are 25.3mm in Dia and note I measured the position of the roll pin holes. I did not measure splines as I am assuming that you have the drive shaft yokes.
I will be very interested to see your final result because personally I think it will be challenging - I also think if someone made and offered such a "jig", (for want of a better term), for sale, people would buy them - except over this side of the pond they would probably retail at something like £1000, (US$1400), plus VAT and postage...... call it US$2000   
Get back to me if you need more. Chris     

[Richard48Y]

I still seem to recall seeing where some one had already done this.
Maybe another site?

My concept is very simple at only two parts done on a lathe.
Thank you for the dimensions.

[Dilkris]

I know the attached, which is not my photo or my project as it is a Zetec with an NG3,  (but I wish it was  ) does not answer your quest - but I see it as a simple and effective approach to being able to move a chassis around less engine. Sure you would have to remove the 2 rear "corners" - but with the engine and box already out, this would only involve removing 2 bolts, brake line and hand brake cable from each side. 

[TurboFource]

My cheap HF furniture moving dollies allow me to move mine around no problem...should be even easier to push without the engine in it, just use a strap to hold the drive shafts up?

[Dilkris]

My cheap HF furniture moving dollies allow me to move mine around no problem...should be even easier to push without the engine in it, just use a strap to hold the drive shafts up?

You have said nothing wrong !!! Simple is best 

[Grumblebuns]

Simply reinstall the transaxle, lower links and the half shafts. Support the transaxle with a 2x4 on the frame with a coat hanger. No need to fabricate anything and keeps the transaxle out of the way. I used this method to roll the car onto the trailer with the engine and tranny removed from the car.