AMC gearbox

Hello
Is there anybody here who could explain me the differences between AMC gearbox, and commandos gearboxes?
Is it possible to mount them directly on a 71 Commando frame's plates and engine?
Thanks


Engine:20M35152671
frame:152671
gearbox: N19456





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http://southsiders-mc.blogspot.com

Mick Hemmings' video on Norton gearboxes explains the differences between the Commando (which I thought WAS referred to as the AMC gearbox) and the earlier Norton "laydown" boxes in detail.

As I recall, the earlier boxes don't have their mounting lugs aligned the same way the Commando one does, so mounting would not be a straightforward bolt-on.

Others will know more I'm sure.

I believe the AMC gearbox was introduced about 1957 and used on all the AMC motorcycles (Norton, Matchless and AJS). The gearboxes on my 1961 Matchless G12, 1961 Norton Dominator 88 and 74 Commando are identical except possibly for gear ratios. Most of the parts are fully interchangeable.

I was told the biggest difference is the Commando gearboxes have the top mounting lug a bit smaller and there is a washer making up the difference to allow the gearbox to be removed easier from the cradle. I think the very latest gearbox shells are also thicker.

Jean

Forget the Laydown box, that was a different beast, but with many similar parts.
The Commando gearbox is The AMC gearbox, but with subtle differences...of which I am unsure. I do know when they used the AMC gearbox for the Atlas they had a slightly different form on the camplate which the clutch pushrod ball operates on than the Commando.
So if you want to improve the 'action' of your clutch lever, changing to the different Atlas cam will make your clutch slightly easier to pull.
Stu

There are differences between Commando boxes and some of the earlier models, although they are all AMC boxes. As previously pointed out the top mounting angle of the casing on a Commando is different from pre-commando models, also the main-shaft is different to accommodate a totally different clutch. I believe that the gear ratios also vary between models.

Although referred to as the AMC box because it was brought in by them, it was based on the earlier Norton upright and laydown boxes rather than the Burman box that AJS/Matchless had used prior to that. The Norton box was in turn based on the earlier Sturmey Archer box. When they ceased production, Norton's had it made for them with a few modifications (by Burman !)

A shell numbered with an 'N' prefix is from a Norton and can be used in the Commando. Contemporary AJS / Matchless boxes (stamped with an 'M' I believe) will not fit as the mounting lugs are rotated roughly 45°. If you look at a picture of an Ajay/Matchy, you'll see that the gear change shaft sits low, roughly in line with the kickstart shaft and on Nortons the gear change is much higher.

Obviously, earlier comments about the internals apply and if I was doing it, I'd want to use all the upgrades but the basic shell is no problem.

hi kebra,i beleive the pre commando amc box had the number and N prefix stamped on the main shell at the right hand side just behind the clutch cable entry,the commando box had the number stamped on the top mounting lug,the top mounting lug on the commando had aprox 1/4 ins machined off the left hand side(clutch side) for ease of installation(removal) from the cradle, as mentioned earlier subtle differences in gear ratios and mainshaft length apply,,matchless boxes were prefixed M and different mounting lugs, are you trying to identify a box you already have

thanks everybody for yor answers

have a good ride this week-end

Hi Every body
THe commando mainshaft is longer with a circlip grove.

kebra said:

Engine:20M35152671

Click to expand...

"20M35" should be 20M3S