I got the engine and Trans in my wagon this weekend and low and behold the side cover is leaking. Can the side plate on a t85 be removed easily while tran is in the car? I'm wasn't sure if the shift arms would interfere with the removal.

Durham Missouri

Should come right off, just make sure you get the  shift arms back in like they should be.

The shift arms can come off if there is a clearance issue, don't know what clearance is like on your model. It will be fun getting the shift forks back in position while the trans is on it's side, that will take some juggling, good luck..

Would it be easier to remove the arms on the outside and leave the forks in the transmission? Or is that possible?

Durham Missouri

The shift arms will come off, they're held on by a couple of nuts and lock washers. The drawing is of a T-86 but the T-85 arms attach the same way.

Thanks Dobie. Looks like it won't be as bad as l thought. I think taking the arms off and leaving the shift forks in Trans is about the only way to do it.

Durham Missouri

There are a couple of seals where the shift fork shafts pass through the cover. Might be a good idea to replace those while you have the cover off.

Well its not as easy as I thought. It took about 45 minutes to an hour to do it. Word of warning pull it all off as one unit. There is a ball detent for the shift arm and if you try to leave the shift fork in the trans you will knock the ball out. Also the rear shift fork is a huge pain. The gear kept sliding back and away from the fork. If it's not in the slot for the fork it won't shift. I found this out after I had it all together. Finally got it thought. Hope it doesn't leak. If it does I'm going to farm it out next time. Not much fun laying on you back trying to put it back together.

Durham Missouri

Good for you, I'm glad you got it done. The shift forks must be fun as I mentioned earlier....