Classic/Antique Car Repair: TR6 top cover steady strap, british leyland, shift mechanism

Question
On the TR6 four speed gear cover assembly, there is a "steady strap" (Stanpart #157644) that bolts from the shift mechanism to the rear engine (transmission mount). The British Leyland parts book shows the steady strap mentioned above, but this will not fit the J-overdrive configuration. Was this strap intended only for the four speeds or should there be one fabricated and installed for the J-overdrive configuration? One end bolts to the shift mechanism. Where does the other end bolt to? What is the design purpose? It is a rather hefty strap, maybe around 10ga steel.

Answer
Hi Mat,
I have never seen that "Stay" strap used on either the "A" or the "J" type overdrive trans. The shift tower is long so I am guessing it was just for vibration, but I question weather it is necessary even on the standard trans. Over the years I have rebuilt several standard and several O/D trans. and that strap was not on many of the standard trans. I don't know if it was left off by some previous mechanic or never installed.
The spicer type "U" joints do set up a vibration and the rear of a standard trans may be light enough to transmit that vibration upward to the shift tower, however the O/D is heavy and may dampen any vibration from the drive shaft thus making the stay unnecessary. That's my guess.
Howard