If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

Hi Team ,need some advice, I have owned my 38' for 38 years and have pretty well restored everything over the years, Except ,(1) Steering box, I have never had the top plate thing off and can't imagine anyone has before my ownership. Should I have a look ? then what ? (2) The rubber engine and gearbox mounts, I have never replaced them and I'd say they are the original mounts. Does the rubber go hard over time ? Would new rubber mounts help with vibration Etc ?(3) Steering coloum centre bearing ? A bit squeaky, apparently there are 2 types, a rubber type and a steel bearing. I've been told I need to take the outer coloumn off to find out which type. (4) The diff has never been looked at, but I think I will Leave that alone !Keeping in Mind I Don't use it every day , but do take it on longish trips from time to time , AND it is 76 years old. Thoughts please.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

I'd say you pretty well answered your own question. I would get a set of new mounts for when you need them, which will likely be soon now that you questioned their longevity. Sounds like you have a handle on it anyway, and are about to do that job anyway. Those mounts actually do get hard on the tranny end, but they go to mush up front. ...Or vice versa, depending on which of your Excess Oil Emergency Relief Valves has been more active than others over the past 75 years. ;) :rolleyes:

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

Just changed my mushy up front. A great improvement in overall comfort!
Christian

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

PM sent.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

my transmission mount on my 49 f-1 "looked ok". when i took it apart it had completely separated through the rubber. new one made a big diff to vibration at start up.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

Engine mounts I would say go ahead and replace them. They can make a world of difference. As far as the steering box I would say fill it and see how much leaks. If a lot take it apart and correct it, if not much or any don't worry about it.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

I've seen motor mounts turn to black marshmallows.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

Don't try to eat them, thats when the guys in white coats with butterfly nets will start chasing you.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

I ordered some inexpensive engine and trans mounts from one of the normal vintage parts suppliers....they were less than ideal.
I then ordered a set of Bob Drake's...they are made with the proper steel reinforcements inside the rubber and everything fit and looked perfect.

Make sure when you are doing a repair or upgrade that you aren't actually going backwards.

The rear diff probably has black molasses in it. A simple drain and refill won't be adequate. It would need to come apart so you can scrape the sludge out of it and clean it up nice and shiney. But with Murphy's Law you will probably end up with a leak where you may not have one now. So either live with it 'as is' or pick your poison and open it up and get it cleaned out.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

Regarding black marshmallow motor mounts, here's your tip of the day:
Wear rubber gloves or else.

Re: If it ain't Broke ,Dont Fix it !!
 

In the sixties, we would add kerosene and run the machine on light duty to agitate and wash out the sludge, then drain it all and put in fresh oil. You may avoid a new leak this way