ratta tat tat
Shouldn't require a shorter tailshaft. Just a custom mount and reposition shifter hole. What makes the type 9 weaker than the 4 speed?

I just measured the gearboxes, and you're right; a shorter tailshaft is not required. Not sure where I got that notion, but I apologise for the confusion.  I think the issue with the Type 9 is that Ford basically added a 5th gear to the back of a Type E, which in practice reduced its torque capacity (torque being the thing that kills gearboxes rather than power).

All good flighter. It's the Type9 shifter position being further back that creates the confusion.
Yes I've read not to put a lot of load through 5th gear. It would take a pretty full on motor or misuse/ abuse to do damage.

One thing not mentioned when lowering cross member, with longer bolts, to remove g/box......disconnect steering coupling

Noono
One thing not mentioned when lowering cross member, with longer bolts, to remove g/box......disconnect steering coupling

Yeah, learned that the hard way too.

I could get mine in & out by loosening off the engine mount nuts, removing rocker cover and let the engine tilt back. That's with an auto tunnel

While the gearbox was out I figured I'd drain the oil seeing I had no idea how long it had been in there. It was grey and miserably looking, so I'm glad I did, but I nearly blew it by using GL-5 spec oil. Never use GL-5 oil in a Type 9 (or Type E etc.), even if it is marked as GL-4/GL-5; read this for why:http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf. I eventually found a correct GL-4 spec oil at a local distributor, which was a pleasant surprise. I'm hoping it also improves the shift quality when the trans is cold.
 
 
 While the gearbox was out I figured I'd drain the oil seeing I had no idea how long it had been in there. It was grey and miserably looking, so I'm glad I did, but I nearly blew it by using GL-5 spec oil. Never use GL-5 oil in a Type 9 (or Type E etc.), even if it is marked as GL-4/GL-5; read this for why:http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf. I eventually found a correct GL-4 spec oil at a local distributor, which was a pleasant surprise. I'm hoping it also improves the shift quality when the trans is cold.
 



Hey Flighter, I know this is an old thread, but would you remember what gearbox oil you ended up using?

As you may have seen from the other M2 Cactus thread, I now have a car, plus an engine and box, which I getting closer to making one. I checked the gearbox today, which was just as well as there was maybe 300 ml of oil in the bottom, so I need to fill it.
thanks

Yep - Amsoil Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90
 
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/transmission-fluid/manual/manual-transmission-and-transaxle-gear-lube-75w-90/
 
Note that this is for a 5 speed Type 9 though; a 4 speed Type E uses a different weight.
The place I bought it from is also the Au distributor: Balcatta Performance.
 
http://australian-amsoil-imports.com.au/product/amsoil-manual-transmission-transaxle-gear-lube-75w-90/
 
Price at the moment is actually a little less than US rrp (at the current exchange rate), and shipping is very reasonable too, which is a pleasant surprise. I think they only ship once or twice a week though. It's a small operation, but with large amounts of stock, so getting hold of some shouldn't be a problem. I'm happy to recommend both the product and the supplier.
 
 

thanks Flighter, I realised today at work I had the yesterford pricelist from Mike.
He lists an 80W penrite gear oil so I'll check out your links as well and get something sorted.

Yesterford lists Penrite 80W-90 gear oil, which is for axles, not transmissions. Remember: gear oil is just that - suitable for gears. Axles have gears, whereas transmissions have gears AND synchros. That's why you shouldn't use gear oil in your trans - because your synchros will suffer.
 
Be careful with the rating of transmission oils too, as GL-5 oil has additives that eat brass, which is a definite no-no for older boxes in classic Fords. Penrite's Trans Gear 75W-80 looks to be the most likely local candidate for a Type E:
 
http://www.penriteoil.com...=4&id_products=379
 
That's my 2¢ worth of wisdom anyway.

Wisdom is appreciated.
best 2c I have ever spent Flighter.