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MG TD TF 1500 - Did I mess up? Bell Housing question

When I took apart my TD for the current restoration, I found that a crack had developed in the bell housing.

I had a spare one and installed it. Now I find that the one I installed is the later bell housing with the 3/4 shaft.

I know that the early 5/8" shaft bell housing is not compatible with the later 8" clutch TD without modification, but will the 3/4 work for the 7.5" clutch?

I read in the archives that there may be a 7mm difference in the position of the shaft. what effect does that have on the 7.5 clutch?
Bruce Cunha

None what so ever. The centerline of the crankshaft/ clutch/ input shaft doesn’t change. The pivot of the fork remains on the same arc. The only issue as you know is that an early housing cannot be used with an 8” clutch without removing bell housing material from the pivot shaft bushing boss to clear the clutch hat.

There is no issue using a late bellhousing with an early clutch. But you lose originality points with a savvy judge on the show grounds Lol.

W A Chasser

"But you lose originality points with a savvy judge on the show grounds".

Only place this could happen is in AU, so he is good to go. :-)
Christopher Couper

LOL !
W A Chasser

LOL ! Yeah but now everyone knows.
W A Chasser

I can see the judges getting under the car with a caliper to measure the shaft that sticks out.

Maybe for a classic Jag competition (Understand those folks are more anal than I am), but not for a TD.

As we know very few TD judges know the variety of changes that occurred with the TD.

But thanks for the input. I was just thinking of the time it would take to pull the seats, floors and transmission to change it.
Bruce Cunha

I'd leave it, at least until the next gearbox overhaul.
Steve Simmons

Hi Bruce,

I just checked the shaft size on one that I obtained about eight years ago. I can’t remember what I paid for it, but way less than a hundred bucks as I recall. It’s yours for shipping and $50 if you want it. I’m in SW Oregon.




Kirk Trigg

PS. My TD is a late car, TD 24953, requiring 3/4” shaft. So, I don’t need it, unless the TC bell housing is the same as 5/8” TD? I don’t know if it is or not.
Kirk Trigg

Kirk. Where in Oregon are you. I have to travel up there at the end of may. Send me an email at cunhab52 at gmail dot com.
Bruce Cunha

Hi Bruce,

I’m glad you can use it. I’ll email you in a minute.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

This thread was discussed between 07/04/2023 and 09/04/2023

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