PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 300d 4-speed swap: are you happy with it?

54dan · #37 02-16-2013, 09:37 PM

Well, it's starting to look like a manual transmission car ... today I installed the manual shifter and the manual pedal cluster. The trick to the latter was to have and assistant pull back the brake master cylinder while I wrangled with the pedal cluster under the dash. Then get that weird hook thing engaged at the top of the cluster to get it to sit correctly.

Also lifted the manual trans up into the car and put a couple of bolts in the bellhousing in order to figure out the shift linkages and rear crossmember. I've managed to thoroughly confuse myself as to which rod goes where in what orientation, so will revisit tomorrow. Also rod-ends on the shifter end are stuck pretty solid; soaking in penetrant now.

Planning to install shift rods to trans, mark, cut, and thread to fit rod-ends on shifter end.

Ordered new master, slave, flex hose, pedal pads, pilot bearing, 240d auto trans mount from peachparts. Forgot to get flywheel bolts and shift linkage bushings.

So the todo's so far are:

- shorten shift linkages
- decide what to do with pilot bearing (machine from brass or try to hone small '85 crank hole to fit 240d bearing)
- get flywheel machined and balanced
- get starter overhauled while it's out
- find 240d auto crossmember

So, at least I can sit in it, press pedals, move shifter and make manual transmission noise now. I'll be happy when I can have the satisfying shift noises too.

-Dan