The Ford Barn

Bruce_MO · 11-23-2022, 12:31 PM

MyÂ’46 coupeÂ’s transmission looks good internally, but I havenÂ’t driven it in almost 30 years. IÂ’ve just started in on a restoration of a nice driver, which I did a few mechanical refreshes 35 years ago. Long ago, I replaced the clutch and all the transmission bearings, along with brakes, kingpins, etc. and then drove it maybe a couple thousand miles before parking it.

Now as IÂ’ve removed the side cover, IÂ’ve noticed about 0.025Â” end play (axially) on the main drive gear. The bearing is sliding in the case that much. I have about the same amount of axial movement in the rear bearing and main shaft moving relative to the rear of the case, (i.e., I can push and pull the u-joint a hair over 0.025Â”). Is that normal, or should the bearing retainer/trans mount on both ends be providing less axial play? Both measurements were taken with a dial indicator. It seems a bit excessive to me, but IÂ’ve not done many transmissions.

Also, my Motors manual says I should have 0.004Â” to 0.008Â” clearance between the second gear and the thrust washer on the main shaft. I canÂ’t get a 0.004Â” feeler gauge in the gap. But it does seem to be free and not binding in any way.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Bruce

jimvette59 · 11-23-2022, 01:47 PM

Did you put the oil shields that feeds the bearings back on the input and the output shaft.

Ken/Alabama · 11-23-2022, 02:06 PM

Try a thinner gasket under the front main drive bearing retainer or a different retainer. Also make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings.

Bruce_MO · 11-23-2022, 03:35 PM

Inner shields are in place, snap ring in place, etc.

Both gaskets seemed to be very thin.

Bottom line is that 0.025 is too much play? Is there a target to shoot for? Maybe I can find another hearing retainer, or mill some on mine to gain some tightness.

Thanks

Brian · 11-23-2022, 06:50 PM

As Ken stated, 'make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings.' The modern replacement bearings use narrower snap rings....I always replace them with the original snap rings which are somewhat thicker. The clue to your problem is you state the bearings can move within the case. If the correct snap rings are fitted, this cannot occur as the snap rings, hence the bearings, are securely held in place by the front and rear bearing retainers.

Ken/Alabama · 11-23-2022, 07:25 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

VanPelt has a snap ring kit for this.

11-23-2022, 12:31 PM	#1
Bruce_MO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 532	Â‘46 transmission end play question MyÂ’46 coupeÂ’s transmission looks good internally, but I havenÂ’t driven it in almost 30 years. IÂ’ve just started in on a restoration of a nice driver, which I did a few mechanical refreshes 35 years ago. Long ago, I replaced the clutch and all the transmission bearings, along with brakes, kingpins, etc. and then drove it maybe a couple thousand miles before parking it. Now as IÂ’ve removed the side cover, IÂ’ve noticed about 0.025Â” end play (axially) on the main drive gear. The bearing is sliding in the case that much. I have about the same amount of axial movement in the rear bearing and main shaft moving relative to the rear of the case, (i.e., I can push and pull the u-joint a hair over 0.025Â”). Is that normal, or should the bearing retainer/trans mount on both ends be providing less axial play? Both measurements were taken with a dial indicator. It seems a bit excessive to me, but IÂ’ve not done many transmissions. Also, my Motors manual says I should have 0.004Â” to 0.008Â” clearance between the second gear and the thrust washer on the main shaft. I canÂ’t get a 0.004Â” feeler gauge in the gap. But it does seem to be free and not binding in any way. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Bruce

11-23-2022, 01:47 PM	#2
jimvette59 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Perry OH Posts: 1,369	Re: Â‘46 transmission end play question Did you put the oil shields that feeds the bearings back on the input and the output shaft.

11-23-2022, 02:06 PM	#3
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,394	Re: Â‘46 transmission end play question Try a thinner gasket under the front main drive bearing retainer or a different retainer. Also make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings. Last edited by Ken/Alabama; 11-23-2022 at 02:13 PM.

11-23-2022, 03:35 PM	#4
Bruce_MO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 532	Re: Â‘46 transmission end play question Inner shields are in place, snap ring in place, etc. Both gaskets seemed to be very thin. Bottom line is that 0.025 is too much play? Is there a target to shoot for? Maybe I can find another hearing retainer, or mill some on mine to gain some tightness. Thanks

11-23-2022, 06:50 PM	#5
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,998	Re: Â‘46 transmission end play question As Ken stated, 'make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings.' The modern replacement bearings use narrower snap rings....I always replace them with the original snap rings which are somewhat thicker. The clue to your problem is you state the bearings can move within the case. If the correct snap rings are fitted, this cannot occur as the snap rings, hence the bearings, are securely held in place by the front and rear bearing retainers. __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit! Last edited by Brian; 11-23-2022 at 09:05 PM.

11-23-2022, 07:25 PM	#6
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,394	Re: Â‘46 transmission end play question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) VanPelt has a snap ring kit for this.