NP435 Tunnel Cut Out Size

[LOVNBRONCOS]

Getting ready to start the process of the 3 speed to 435 switch. I have marked the tunnel where I think it should be cut, I have marked it 4" up the sloped part of the tunnel and 3/4" from the sides all the way back on the flat as marked, and once I remove the 3 speed cover I will have that side opening as well. I plan on making the new tunnel cover after I get the 435 installed. The 4" is what I am most concerned about Is that to high or leave it as marked. Any other input or ideas I need to know would be appreciated.
I have a 1" BL

 

[Airmapper]

Without any BL and flat body mounts, I think I had to go a bit higher, but if you have healthy body mounts at +1" that may be enough. Basically the shifter come out right under that floor heater duct.

I'm trying to replace all my floor pans now, so what I did is null and void, other than knowing how much I had to cut just to install the tranny.

 

[LOVNBRONCOS]

Thanks Airmapper, good luck with those floor pans.

 

[Pa PITT]

.. I hate to tell this .. But it's been one of those repairs that's just too good to replace..
.. When I put the NP435 into my Bronco about 7+ years ago .. I took an oil case box .. Cut it to size a little duck tape too hold it in place. I was working on several other things at the same time. So I was doing a fiberglass Job .. So I slopped the left over fiber glass onto that oil box. It set up nicely .. I was impressed.. So I gave it a 2nd coating . Thinking I was making a prototype box that I'd later replace. Well Next I took that box out too add a cup holder. So as I was re-coating it with more fiberglass. I under coated the under side. As I was thinking it's supposed to rain in a few day so I'll coat it inside & out . set it back in place & hold it down with MORE DUCK TAPE.
.. AFTER I GOT THE PROTOTYPE FINISHED.. it had enough Fiberglass on it .. It was solid. I drove it around for a few weeks.
.. Then one day I just added another coat of fiberglass and coated it into place. I've taken the SawzAll and cut it out to work on my twin sticks twice now. and then I just give it another coating of fiberglass to hold it it place ..
.. OH I also spray it with some Black Spray paint .. I'd never put in a metal on now .. Because I can make any adjustment in minutes to this one.

 

[Buldozer]

You the man Pa!

 

[Waverous]

I don't know if any of this will help you. I am cutting out the tunnel to make room for an NP435 right now. I have the body support above the frame and I am lowering it as I go to measure and cut the tunnel. Here are some pics I have taken.

 

[admin]

4" will probably do it, but it doesn't hurt to go another 1". It will help give you some wiggle room as you wrestle that trans into place. (Unless you are in a position to drop the body straight down like Waverous)

I have a 2" body lift and my hole is 5" up the sloped portion.

 

[LOVNBRONCOS]

Thanks John, I am going to move the cut out up at least another 1" maybe a little more.
I can always build the cover a little bigger, rather do that then get it half way in and have to start trimming. I am also going to figure a way to get a reinforcement back across the tunnel. Thanks for all the input everyone. Its going to be about 2 weeks before in can get it in.

 

[admin]

I am also going to figure a way to get a reinforcement back across the tunnel.

Yep, that was my plan too. But I put my NP435 in 16 years ago and still haven't gotten around to it! ;D