354 Gearbox - reversible diff?

[Geoff in the Gully]

I suspect this topic has been covered before but I can't find anything by searching so here goes

The 354 gearbox was fitted to both the 850 and 1100 engines. Since these engines rotate in opposite directions, there's a difference inside the gearbox to get forward motion from opposite rotation.

My understanding is the differential crown wheel can be on either side of the pinion gear on the end of the secondary shaft.

The key question is can the differential from a particular box be turned over to reverse its direction and make it suitable for the other engine? Turning it over would mean the driving force would be on the opposite face of the gears - but does this matter?

I have no worries about dismantling and reassembling a gearbox but need to know before shipping one from Europe to Australia...

 

[reidalpine]

Hi Geoff! this should be poss to do-only thing to remember is to use BOTH pinion AND crownhwell (as a set) as they were manufactured as a set,so you hav eto use Both from the spare box or Both from the other box
-Imperative that codes on side of crownwheel and pinion is same.. (I think they are week-number and year of production-3 or 4 digit-code)
also important to tighten the big lock-ring as per intruction (where driveshafts goes in) to correct value -R.

 

[mr-reno-139]

What box where you actually after as might be easier to get the right one have got a few to choose from Inc a brand new 4 speed

 

[angel]

While it's physically possible (there is room for the crownwheel to be fitted at the oppostie side), it's not right for the final drive to operate correctly. Hypoid gears are designed and built to operate effectively only at expected direction of roatation. If you inverse it, there will be higher friction between the teeth, and rapid wear will occur. If you compare final drives from a left hand turning vs. a right hand turning gearbox, you will notice that the teeth have been cut at opposite angles.
On the earlier 4 speed gearbox, and all 3 speed ones, the final drive gears are spiral bevel ones (their axes are on the same plane), so this should be possible.

 

[Geoff in the Gully]

Thanks guys - just the info I was looking for.
The question's actually for a friend whose got a lead an gearboxes and wants to make sure he's getting a suitable one.
I would have misled him if not for Angel's input.
Paul - might get back to you on what you've got if my mate's leads turn out to be no good. He's looking for ones for the 850 engine.

Geoff

 

[Edtom]

Got one you can have for free, but it's in France....

 

[Geoff in the Gully]

Got one you can have for free, but it's in France....

I'll pass that on, thanks