Good morning,

This weekend I'm going to check out a '74 145 that's being parted. I'm mostly interested in the tranny, as I want to convert away from the bw35 in my '72 badly. Will I be able to pull all of the conversion parts from the '74? I'll have the '72 out there, so will be spot checking anyway... I know it's got a different FI system, and the body is different... I guess I'm wondering about what won't be appropriate.

Thanks!

Ben Do you have contact info the 140 parts car owner? I need the clutch pedal assembly.

The 67-72 pedal assemblies are different from the 73-74. That having been said I am parting an earlier car,(69 145) that has the pedals you need and I am looking for pedals for a 73 conversion. I'd trade them straight across if you want. I have the flywheel you need also.

Hey! Is this the one in Monroe that just popped up on Craigslist today?
I'm probably headed out there too, to check out some of the interior bits.
I promise I won't take the tranny (even if it's an M41 :)).

Hah! It is indeed. The tranny is my main focus, so yeah, that would be appreciated :)

I'm on the lookout for other small things, but I don't think any of them are interior related. When will you be out there? I've gotta confirm with the guy tomorrow, but I'll probably be there at 10am or so on Saturday.

So, what did you get? I ended up getting busy this weekend and never called the guy. Is there anything left of the car?
Dave - '72 145

Actually, I ended up flaking out. I slept in late, and... it's far. I live in Queen Anne.

Also, I made a deal on a running '71 145 with an M40 for not much more than the guy with the '74 wanted. I am curious if the '74 had the M41...

Where did you find the '71? Are you using it as a parts car?
There's a running '74 142 on Craigslist w/M41 for $1500.

T-bricks. I just wanted the wheels and tires initially, but for a few hundred more ended up with the whole car. I don't know if it's going for parts yet... It's got less rust than the '72, but I've grown attached. I may end up joining a club with some garage space, in which case I'd keep them both and go crazy with one of'm.

The transmission, bellhousing, clutch, crossmember, shift handle, clutch cable, pilot shaft bearing retainer ring and driveshaft (check the rear u-joint flange diameter-you may need the one from the '74 diff or use your '72 rear half) are definites. The flywheel will not fit (8 bolt vs 6 bolt). I can't recall what the pedal brackets look like on the '74--with the change in the heater system they may be different. If the tranny has an od unit the switch on the column will be different. The relay is the same. Good luck with your project--it will transform your car.

The '74 pedal assembly is not the same as a '72 and is not interchangeable.

I don't know where the switch is on a '74, but the '72 had it on the column.
Although the photo is of my '70, the switch is the same as a '72. Pilot light is different. I think the pilot light in the photo came from a '71. A '72 has the light in the same location but is split between "choke" and "overdrive".

--
'60 PV544, '68 220, '70 145, '86 745T

Thinking about it, the '74 may have a shifter mounted switch for the od. I have a column mounted switch from a '73 stashed somewhere.

Thanks for all the info!! This is a great help.

I talked with the owner on the phone, he wasn't sure if it had an OD as the car hasn't been driven in 2 years. Not because of tranny issues, he swears. I had him look around inside for an OD switch, he didn't seem to find one. I had him check the column and any other random possibly unknown use switch, no dice.

What was the M40-M41 logic, factory installed, throughout the years? Strictly dealer option? Were there any years where it was all M40 or M41?

But yes, I'm looking forward to the transformation. Even if it's an M40!! I guess I'll do it right and replace the usual suspects with new parts as well... Clutch, etc.

I think your question has been answered... but I'll stress a couple things...

I'm almost certain you'll have pedal issues. I think you need to find a '72 or older donor for that.

Ditto the drive shaft. I'd be willing to bet the '74 has the large flanges, and your '72 has little ones.

Of course the flywheel... definitely won't work (unless your car has a later engine, or vice versa)

Outside of those issues.. you should be good to go. Don't count on an overdrive.. they do seem more common in later years, but rarely in wagons. I've never seen an original O/D in any 140 wagon. Not to say they ain't out there.. but pretty rare.

While you're there checking out the donor car.. check that rear end.. chance it's got limited slip. Not likely, but if it does, grab it.. not only would you have the limited slip, but it would solve any flange issues you might have.

When you get it all back together and ready to motor, but it doesn't start.. then bypass the neutral safety switch (don't ask...) :-)

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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

Ah, balls. I was most hopeful about the driveshaft. I guess I'll see when I get out there for sure. Thanks for confirming the other stuff. I'll probably still eyeball, but glad to know the consensus.

I thought about snagging the rear end, but the owner said that it was "making funny noises" before he stopped driving it. I'm not that excited about it at this point, if you know what I mean.

Don't be concerned if the driveshaft has the large flanges. Take it anyway.

But also take the large companion flange off the rear pinion in addition to the driveshaft. The large flange and the small flange have identical splines so there should be no problem installing it on your 145.

Also take the gearbox even if it's a M40 (4 speed). The improvement it will make to your 145 will be phenominal. I did the same swap and the years with the M40 were enjoyable and made me look forward the day when I found a M41.

Always check the diff of a car to be scrapped in case it's a limited slip. They are rebuildable and can transfer from one diff to another (late 140/ all? 240). Having the tool to spread the case makes removing the ring gear and assembly easier but it can be done without it. If it does have the L/S and you are removing it from the case--take the pinion shaft too so you can utilize those gears if need be. I just completed installing an L/S taken from a '76 265 into an M41 equipped '73 140 (4.30 gears) rear and then put the works into my '69 144. Works like a charm.

They were available from at least 68 on, maybe earlier.
To the best of my knowledge NONE were dealer installed.
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!