Trans Output Flange Swap

[csermonet47]

I have been reading in this section for a while and a few people say they have done it but there really isn't much info on it.

I have a Getrag 260/6 to go in the car, and a Getrag 260 that is in it now. From what I have gathered, I believe they are the same transmissions with different bellhousings and output flanges. If I recall correctly, these flanges are removable so you can get access to the rear main seal. So in theory, I could just swap over the smaller flange without a hitch. Right?

This way I can use my stock driveshaft and not have to worry about buying a different one. I just don't want to get down to crunch time and have it not work. This just sounds like the easiest solution to me. Anyone care to chime in?

[ryans09sstc]

Yeah it will fit just fine. I just did a 5 speed swap and had to swap flanges also.

[Jafxod]

It can be an absolute BITCH without planning. Ive snapped so many tools trying to get mine off. You will need heat and a huge breaker bar (if it has never been removed before). One time I pulled one off that was finger tight lol. Ive always done it out of car which is a bitch becuase you need to find a way to hold the trans from twisting so in car is probably a better option. Ive heard people have had sucess with big ass impact guns, but I dont have access to one so I had to man up and muscle it off. Good luck my dude.

[csermonet47]

Ok cool. I have had a leaky rear main seal since I bought my car. We tried to get the flange off but snapped a snap-on spanner in the process. So I just let it leak. Hopefully I can get it off though. Thanks guys.

[bme30]

Plumber's torch and a cordless impact or air impact.

[LowR3V'in]

I had to take one off at the junkyard and
a propane torch is what I used. Heat that nut a TON.
Leave it on there till it gets red. then smack the breaker bar with a heavy pipe.

An impact wrench will just zip it off ez.

Don't forget to take put in a new locking washer. You NEED it.

[csermonet47]

Already ordered a new locking washer. Going to take them down the street to a shop with a monster of an impact gun to do it. Don't want to get hung up when it is go time.

[Bearmw]

Yeah heat was key when I did it also. Used a plumbers torch and electric impact if I recall.

[Brian D]

Just wanted to verify the small and large flanges swap, I just resealed my trans and while I had the small flange off I mocked it up on the 260/6 waiting in my garage. Also, I used an impact with a portable compressor and had no problem getting either flange nut off. I used this socket and it worked perfectly.

[csermonet47]

Thanks! Looking forward to getting this done.

[Jb325is]

You need to get a thin walled socket to get it off. I used a ground down impact socket, you can borrow it if you have trouble finding one that will work. Lemme know when it's go time!

[flawdaboi407]

use a 1/2" impact, if you do it another way and have to heat.... replace the seal

[Wanganstyle]

I can't speak for the rust belt on this one, but for california the output flanges come right off.

amazon.com + thinwall deep 30mm socket = FTW.

hold flange in place by adding a wheel pin from the BMW tool kit to a 22mm open end wrench + one of the guibo holes. remove lock washer, un-do 30mm nut. slide off output flange with your hand and swap.

[Ian McClure]

So what do you guys to about the vibration dampener? Do those need to be swapped too or do you guys just eliminate them completely?

[csermonet47]

I can confirm everything matches up. I will let you guys know if the stock driveshaft works without a hitch. I will be using a B35 with Good and Tight mounts in the forward position.