Ford Type 9 gearbox: 1st gear ratio Some time ago, when the clutch went to its maker, I treated MB50 to a gearbox (manual) overhaul and at same time different 1st gear ratio. If I remember correctly you (Mick) asked if I could recommend the company who did the work (that you might include in MESS) and I said OK but not until the gearbox has done a few miles to prove itself.

Well, the gearbox has since done over 2K miles and performed without fault so I can now recommend the company which is:-

First Motion Transmissions Limited Unit 11 Bondor Business Centre Baldock, SG7 6HP Tel: 01462 896685

It's a one man business and his name is Paul Mason. Nice guy who does nothing else but gearbox work and seems to know Type 9's inside out (says he does lots of work for racing boys).

The new 1st gear ratio now fitted is 2.83:1 which means with my tyre size (205 x 65x 15 on 7" rims) 30mph is achieved at 4,000rpm. which suits me fine. I will say though that I now experience some transmission judder when letting the clutch out on low engine revs. and when moving on tickover in traffic.

The judder may be due to:-

• Too high a ratio (others may wish to try a different ratio 1st gear) or,
• Too much backlash in the rear axle diff. (Will try to do something about that eventually and report back).

It is generally accepted that unless a Middlebridge is doing a lot of towing up steep hills 1st gear is a bit of a nonsense because in normal driving we have to change too quickly into second gear or over rev the engine. Some folk suggest using a different rear axle ratio but whilst that might well improve 1st gear usability the overlarge difference between 1st and 2nd gear ratios remains same and to me that is not a satisfactory solution. I much prefer to have a gearbox with properly spaced gears, 1st gear is wrong (for me) and that's why went down the route I did.

In passing, MB50 gearbox found to have factory fitted later Heavy Duty bearing mod. and it is likely other MB's will be same. If you are invited to have a gearbox reconditioned to include the heavy duty bearing mod then first check you are not paying for something you already have.

Cheers Alan (Owner MB 50)

Once again many thanks to Alan for another tip and a great addition to our marque website FAQ area. . Thank you Mick G