The Ford Barn

duke36 · 12-30-2015, 05:17 PM

I have a question about the F150 top loader tranny installed in my SW by prior owner. I note that there appear to be only the outer universal caps, part no A-4520, bolted directly to the stout adapter plate, as opposed to typical Model A U joint assemblies in many of the Barn posts (re: the F150 install's) which have the shaft bearing retainer A-7085 exposed. I want to remove the caps and replace the RTV and felt seals, etc., to reduce oil drips and see if there are any other hidden seals at the tranny /U joint area. I don't want to remove the bolts attaching the caps to the thick plate for fear that there may be nuts , washers and any other surprises behind, though I don't see how that could occur. If someone has experience with this set-up by looking at the attached photo, please advise if these could be 4 machine bolts threaded in to the thick plate only, for securing the caps.
Many thanks!

CarlG · 12-30-2015, 05:37 PM

PM sent

old victoria · 12-30-2015, 07:56 PM

that's one of our very early kits most likely built over 22 years ago,

Ron W · 12-30-2015, 08:17 PM

The bolts you refer to are usually threaded into the thick plate which may be custom fabricated from plate or a modified rear bearing retainer from the original tail-shaft housing. You should be OK removing them. If you have oil leaking from the joint, it is likely from the transmission. When you take it apart, check the output shaft in the transmission. Many builders of the kit rely on the seal on the output shaft bearing to retain the transmission oil. If the shaft can be moved sideways, the bearing is not retaining the oil and needs replacement. You will normally find grease in the u-joint area. Good luck. Ron W

duke36 · 12-30-2015, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the replies. It appears oil is dripping from the lower cap,, not grease. Haven't checked yet but could an overfilled tranny cause that? Assume it's filled with 90 wt. (85/90). Does anyone have a cross section diagram and/or parts list for this tranny?

Ron W · 12-30-2015, 09:21 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If the transmission vent is blocked, it could push oil when it warms up and builds pressure. Ron W

kenparker · 12-30-2015, 11:08 PM

That transmission is not from one of my kits. but the internals of the transmission are the same on all RTS transmissions. You say "oil" coming out the lower cap. Is it "oil" or grease that has dissolved into "oil". Remove the filler plug on the side of the transmission and check oil level. It should be even with the top of threads of the filler or at least within 1/8 inch. If you cannot feel the oil with your little finger, stuck into the hole, then oil level is low. It is possible oil has gotten by the rear seal then into the Ujoint cavity then leaked out.

"If transmission vent is blocked". The transmission vents thru the tower. On some units there is a small hole on the side of the tower. On other units the venting is thru and around the shift stick.

In answer to your first question. You should be able to remove the 4 hex head bolts that hold the "caps" to the thick back plate and the two verticle bolts that hold the caps together. In doing so you will remove the caps and expose the Ujoint. New felts will be in order. If oil is getting by the Rear Main Bearing (transmission shaft bearing), then that bearing wil need to be replaced. No easy task.

I have the diagrams and can emai l them. Cannot post them on FB. email me directly. ken

12-30-2015, 05:37 PM	#2
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,192	Re: F150 Tranny question PM sent __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

12-30-2015, 07:56 PM	#3
old victoria Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 44	Re: F150 Tranny question that's one of our very early kits most likely built over 22 years ago,

12-30-2015, 08:17 PM	#4
Ron W Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Me. Posts: 260	Re: F150 Tranny question The bolts you refer to are usually threaded into the thick plate which may be custom fabricated from plate or a modified rear bearing retainer from the original tail-shaft housing. You should be OK removing them. If you have oil leaking from the joint, it is likely from the transmission. When you take it apart, check the output shaft in the transmission. Many builders of the kit rely on the seal on the output shaft bearing to retain the transmission oil. If the shaft can be moved sideways, the bearing is not retaining the oil and needs replacement. You will normally find grease in the u-joint area. Good luck. Ron W

12-30-2015, 08:54 PM	#5
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,425	Re: F150 Tranny question Thanks for the replies. It appears oil is dripping from the lower cap,, not grease. Haven't checked yet but could an overfilled tranny cause that? Assume it's filled with 90 wt. (85/90). Does anyone have a cross section diagram and/or parts list for this tranny?

12-30-2015, 09:21 PM	#6
Ron W Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Me. Posts: 260	Re: F150 Tranny question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If the transmission vent is blocked, it could push oil when it warms up and builds pressure. Ron W

12-30-2015, 11:08 PM	#7
kenparker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Van, Texas Posts: 1,122	Re: F150 Tranny question That transmission is not from one of my kits. but the internals of the transmission are the same on all RTS transmissions. You say "oil" coming out the lower cap. Is it "oil" or grease that has dissolved into "oil". Remove the filler plug on the side of the transmission and check oil level. It should be even with the top of threads of the filler or at least within 1/8 inch. If you cannot feel the oil with your little finger, stuck into the hole, then oil level is low. It is possible oil has gotten by the rear seal then into the Ujoint cavity then leaked out. "If transmission vent is blocked". The transmission vents thru the tower. On some units there is a small hole on the side of the tower. On other units the venting is thru and around the shift stick. In answer to your first question. You should be able to remove the 4 hex head bolts that hold the "caps" to the thick back plate and the two verticle bolts that hold the caps together. In doing so you will remove the caps and expose the Ujoint. New felts will be in order. If oil is getting by the Rear Main Bearing (transmission shaft bearing), then that bearing wil need to be replaced. No easy task. I have the diagrams and can emai l them. Cannot post them on FB. email me directly. ken