Trans Replacement
 

Hello all, I did a search but didn't find a definite answer. When rolling the rear end back to disconnect the torque tube from the trans.

I'm replacing the stock trans on my 1938 with a 1939 trans.

The U joint between the trans and drive shaft (inside of the clam shell), does it need to be disconnected or unbolted in any way?

Or does it stay connected to the trans until the trans is out and on the shop floor, then unbolted from the trans output shaft?

Thanks in advance!
Pat

Re: Trans Replacement
 

The U joint is bolted to the transmission main shaft. You won't be able to access the bolt or U-joint until you get the torque tube dropped down and away from the inner clam shell piece.

The drive shaft slides into the back section of the u-joint.

Re: Trans Replacement
 

Here's what it looks like after you do as Tim says. You can see that the U-joint is still bolted to the transmission main shaft. With U-Joint removed there's more room to remove the transmission from the top. A special bolt and cupped Bellevue washer bolts the U-Joint in place on the main shaft. Check your U-Joint for "play". Don't loose it and make sure to reinstall it properly nice and tight. No torque specified, that I know of.

Of course, it's easiest to remove transmission with front seat removed. I used tapered wooden "door stops" to raise up floor pan so front of torque tube would "clear".
Don't loose those special square headed bolts at the bottom of the clamshell. Take photos of everything you remove and write down the order of removal of each part. Take plenty of photos making sure that everything you remove goes back in place in its proper sequence and position.

Photo six shows those bottom 2 clamshell bolts. Photo seven shows Bellevue washer and bolt. Lock washer is also used.
One last thought: Don't pinch your fingers when inserting splines into U-joint upon reassembly.

Re: Trans Replacement
 

Thanks for the replies! We got it apart Thursday evening.
Reassembly starts on Monday. Can't wait to get it back on the road.