Spidergear re-orientation

[Larry Jenkins]

Going to split the rear axles to have a look at the condition of the spider gears.

I have read that they should go back in the same position as they were, assuming that they still look good.

What is a good method of doing this?

Larry

[redmodelt]

I have stopped worrying about the the spider and gears but do mark the orientation of the case half's so they go back together in the same place. The case that hold the spider and gears my be what you are thinking.

[Larry Jenkins]

Thank you. It's obvious I don't know a whole lot about spider gears.

How do you "mark the orientation of the case halves"? Don't the spiders come off their posts? Wouldn't I want to mark each spider to the original post?

Help!

Larry

[redmodelt]

Unless there has been some uncommon wear, all the gears should have the same wear. Except for where the axles rub on the center of the spider, they are tough of nails (the good ones ). You can mark the spider if you wish, I just take a grinder and put a hash mark diagonally across the two half's and spider.
Tom Endy's how to do is a great guide. The only change I have made is installing the upper drive shaft sleeve for the bearing, I tap mine in using a socket, no wire. That may have been changed in the update. I have done about 10 rear ends and that was my go to to learn. You can down load and print, I put mine in plastic sleeves in my note book.

http://www.santaanitaas.org/technica...tech-articles/

[ursus]

All I do is mark the position of the carrier halves relative to each other, mark the position of the spider relative to carrier, then disassemble and keep the spider gears in position on their respective spokes of the spider. Mom said, dance with the one that brought you!

[Tom Wesenberg]

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A good center punch or vibrating marker with a carbide tip is what I use to mark many parts. A felt tip works for some things, but these parts will probably get washed in gas and take off paint or felt tip pen marks.

[Mitch//pa]

you might find that the carrier halves are already dimpled (marked) for reassembly..
if not just ctr punch them as tom says.. i also use a numbered punch set on occasion for marking things.
i never worried about putting them back in the same spots

[Larry Jenkins]

Thanks Mitch..

Then you don't think that returning the spiders to their original locations is important?

Wish I knew more about them..

Larry

[Rowdy]

I have never payed attention to their orientation, but do make sure if they need changing to do so in sets. If one looks worn or has damage discard all three and replace with another set. I have not ran onto this yet, but there is a first time for everything. While we are on this subject does anyone know if there are any .005 cup shaped shims on the market to take up the wear to the inside of the carrier where the spider gears wear? Have used flat narrow shims in the past, but I have NOS Ford shims for the later banjo rearends (35-48). Rod

[mrtexas]

Why do you want to check the spyders? They get very little wear and only when you turn!

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

Why do you want to check the spyders? They get very little wear and only when you turn!

i have seen many that have worn into the carrier housings

[montanafordman]

My spider gears were shot. I suspect my model A had been used to run a saw or something at one time because normally the spider gears only turn when you're going around a corner (Rear wheels are spinning at different rates).

[Mitch//pa]

i used to do corner hole shots when i was a kid

[Jim Brierley]

Spider gears only turn when going around corners, most of the time they rotate as a unit. Slop in them when turning the wheels is normal. You may be wasting time and energy?

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Spider gears only turn when going around corners, most of the time they rotate as a unit. Slop in them when turning the wheels is normal. You may be wasting time and energy?

My belief also. There seems to be a lot of looseness in the assembly. The only concern I ever have about the spider gears is if the three legged shafts are scored or the assembly sat in water and is rusted beyond use.

I am never concerned about orientation, and I would never buy new ones, too many used serviceable ones around for little or no cost.

Tom Endy

[40 Deluxe]

During the "it's just an old car" phase of an A's life, it may have suffered a little abuse. It was the go-to car in the winter and spring mud, one wheel spinning madly to get out of a drift or a mud hole. Result: worn spiders!

[Mike V. Florida]

How are you going to learn unless you try? We will stand by to help with any problems.

Look up Tom Endy's papers on how to rebuild the rear end.

[Larry Jenkins]

Learned some things today. Thank you!

Now, when I look into the assembled area where the spiders are, I think I see some pretty nice gears. So, what is a good way to clean and lube them in place?

Larry

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by Larry Jenkins

Learned some things today. Thank you!

Now, when I look into the assembled area where the spiders are, I think I see some pretty nice gears. So, what is a good way to clean and lube them in place?

Larry

Clean them in lacquer thinner.

A concern should be the condition of the carrier halves. First, look at the two mounting hubs. The old bearings are often found spun on the hubs, which means a mechanic of yesteryear did not set the carrier preload and locked the bearings up. Henry's 40 horses broke them loose, but they spun the hubs. The bearings should mount with an interference press fit. If they don't you need to have them knurled, or find a better carrier.

Second, look at the inside of the carrier where the back side of each spider gear rubs. You will usually find some wear there, but if it is deep, like 1\16", the carrier should be replaced.

The reason for marking the carrier halves before taking them apart is so that you can put it back together with the wear patterns matching.

Tom Endy

[Larry Jenkins]

Great information, Guys!

Being the curious person I am. I think I'll try to open this thing up and see what I've got. I'll certainly ask questions..

Larry