Ode to the Aussie 4 Speed

[HK1837]

Most M15 3spd synchro are the same ratio, except for a close ratio one fitted to HT V8. 1st gear on the normal ones is about the same as an M20 aussie.

3.07:1 1.68:1 1:1 Reverse: 3.59:1

Where the 3spd is better is its reverse. You can get away with running a 3.08 (or even 2.78 behind a 308) then 1st will be about the same as M20 wirh 3.08 but reverse is lower, whereas all aussie 4spd have reverse the same ratio as 1st. You can use an aussie 4spd shifter with one too, reverse is where 1st is. This is how 3spd Bedfords were done. From memory I think the 4spd extension housing fits straight on a 3spd so the shifter fits exactly as per on a 4spd and uses the same shift rods etc. Only hassle is the reverse switch, it'd have to be something like the Bedfords used.

[Robbo]

Are these Aussie 4 Speed boxes, the same boxes that were used in the LJ series Torana?

[HK1837]

Aussie 4spd were used in HQ-WB, VB-VK, late LC (from HQ release) to UC and CF Bedford. The 3spd upon which the 4spd was based was used in HK-WB, LC-UC and CF Bedford. Available mainly as M20, M21 and M22 ratio sets plus two other ratio sets used in XU-1 and L34.