The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Broke down, trans won't engage any gear....Help!

30RoadTom · 09-25-2017, 06:27 PM

I have a stupid question and two informational questions. Hopefully I can get at least one answer to each. I'm trying to fully understand the job ahead before I get started.

Stupid question: If only one axle broke, why wouldn't the other axle still turn and move the car? I'm glad it didn't, because the wheel on the broken side would likely have come off, causing more damage. I'm just curious. Obviously I don't understand drivetrains....or transmissions.....or women.

First Informational question: When I do the disassembly....what's the purpose of the spring spreader? To basically KEEP the spring spread, enabling the removal of the axle housing on one side? Like, I just need to get a little tension on the spring with the spreader so the shackle bolts can be safely removed? So then the spreader would need to remain in place until after everything has been reassembled?

Second Informational question: Aside from the possibility of a worn differential gear on the end of the broken axle, is there any preference or benefit for purchasing an axle with gear already attached versus JUST the axle (and reusing the gear )? I see a difference in cost of over $150 from one source.

09-25-2017, 06:27 PM	#41
30RoadTom Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Delmar, NY Posts: 16	Re: Broke down, trans won't engage any gear....Help! I have a stupid question and two informational questions. Hopefully I can get at least one answer to each. I'm trying to fully understand the job ahead before I get started. Stupid question: If only one axle broke, why wouldn't the other axle still turn and move the car? I'm glad it didn't, because the wheel on the broken side would likely have come off, causing more damage. I'm just curious. Obviously I don't understand drivetrains....or transmissions.....or women. First Informational question: When I do the disassembly....what's the purpose of the spring spreader? To basically KEEP the spring spread, enabling the removal of the axle housing on one side? Like, I just need to get a little tension on the spring with the spreader so the shackle bolts can be safely removed? So then the spreader would need to remain in place until after everything has been reassembled? Second Informational question: Aside from the possibility of a worn differential gear on the end of the broken axle, is there any preference or benefit for purchasing an axle with gear already attached versus JUST the axle (and reusing the gear )? I see a difference in cost of over $150 from one source.