The Ford Barn

Clem Clement · 01-05-2019, 08:13 PM

I'm trying to pop off a snap ring on the front of a '39 Tranny. I don't have the correct tool. One end cut slants inward and the other outward.
Assistance please

PeteVS · 01-05-2019, 08:23 PM

I don't think that there's a tool for taking one apart with the ends cut as you mention. I figure that when they make the rings, they start with straight stock and cut it into lengths with the cut on an angle and then they form the circle. The way I undo them is to hold something against the outside of the ring close to the end that you can'r grab to keep it from rotating. Then, get a small screwdriver under the "friendly" end of the ring and lift it out and up and work it around. When you install a new ring, cut the "unfriendly" end so that it will be easier to get it apart the next time. FWIW.

texas webb · 01-05-2019, 08:33 PM

And put a shop towel around it so you don't loose it.

RalphM · 01-05-2019, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texas webb

And put a shop towel around it so you don't loose it.

Also keep you from shooting your eye out kid.

Charlie ny · 01-05-2019, 10:18 PM

Clem,
I use a cut off wheel in my air grinder and grind off a chord which weakens
the ring enough to twist it off.

Give VanPelt a call....Mac has these rings made new to orig FORD specs except with squared ends.
Charlie ny

Mac VP · 01-06-2019, 06:37 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There was a whole discussion about this on an older thread here on the fordbarn. I useful to grind an opposed slant into the one end of the snap ring (using a slender cutter bit in my Drexel) so that my lock ring pliers could spread it. However, now we just work a small pointed pick tool under either end of the snap ring and tap it in enough to pop up the ring.....that will be enough to get one end up and out of the groove. Then we just use a screwdriver and hammer to force the rest of the ring out the rest of the way.

All of our snap rings are made to the original thickness and all have the opposed tips so that your lock ring pliers can remove or install them easily. As a rule, we never reuse old snap rings.......

big job · 01-06-2019, 07:12 AM

Yes there is a tool for those. I bought one from Ford New Holland typical snap rings on
backhoe pins.

Clem Clement · 01-06-2019, 09:32 AM

Thanks Mac. You are the best.
The whole project is headed for failure, but I charge on. The tranny in question is my famous "one piece" tranny. It was left out in the weather open for 30+ years and all gears are frozen together. I soaked it for a week in vaporust. the rust is gone except where the gears mesh and the bearing surfaces. So far one set of ball bearings are loose and the little gear dropped down. Fun winter project.
I'm stuck with the dissy removal on my '39 so beating on a tranny is good therapy.
Happy New Year.

rotorwrench · 01-06-2019, 10:26 AM

You will learn a lot just taking one apart. Your case is the part that will make it or break it. After it's all apart, you can find out whether it will be usable or not.

deuce_roadster · 01-06-2019, 10:41 AM

I never put one of those hated Ford snap rings back on without grinding the "wrong" slanted end so that normal snap ring pliers will work. I have found that lots of bad language makes me feel better when I do get them off.

Bored&Stroked · 01-06-2019, 12:30 PM

You can also just use a pair of vice-grip pliers - grab hold of the snap-ring and pull it out of the groove. Simple and easy!

Clem Clement · 01-06-2019, 10:11 PM

No space for the vice grips I own. We got close tonight. Still trying

Tim Ayers · 01-07-2019, 08:56 AM

I have a pair of pliers that I got from Sears that work wonders for this application. No idea what they are for, but they have these little flat knurled pads on them that do a good job of getting in there and spreading the ring just enough to get if off.

I did purchase Mac's "refined" snap rings to make it easier putting it back to together.

Clem,

Let me know if you want to borrow those pliers. I'll mail them to you. Would take about 2 days to get to you.

russcc · 01-07-2019, 10:26 AM

As Mac suggest is his book, and here. Work the in facing bevel end out with a small pick or screwdriver until you get enough space between the snap ring and bearing to insert a little larger screwdriver, and work it up out of the groove. It distorts the snap ring a little, but you can hammer it back in shape, grind the out facing bevel end the correct way, reuse it or buy a new one from Mac.

Clem Clement · 01-07-2019, 04:10 PM

Still trying. I'm working thru the TO Bearing lube hole. Wife broke a nail so I'm at it alone now...

40 Deluxe · 01-07-2019, 06:15 PM

You might try the Loan A Tool program at O'Reilly's or Auto Zone. They might have a snap ring plier kit that has what you need.

Charlie ny · 01-07-2019, 06:59 PM

Clem,
Are things freed up enough so you can knock the cluster shaft out of the case ,give it a try.Once the shaft is out force, if you must, the cluster into the bottom of the case. With the cluster gear on the bottom you should be able to yank the main

drive gear out of the case and get it a vise, then worry the snap ring off.
Charlie ny

Bored&Stroked · 01-08-2019, 02:25 PM

Hey Clem - I didn't realize that the input shaft was still in the trans - my mistake!

I'm with Charlie - you should be able to pull it right out of the front with the snap-ring on. If the cluster is in the way of the synchro teeth, then drive out he cluster main shaft and that will drop the cluster into the bottom of the case - giving the extra room you need to pull the main input shaft right out of the front. Once out - many options to get the snap-ring off. If the front bearing is good, really no reason to even take it off! Best of luck.

Clem Clement · 01-09-2019, 04:00 PM

Exciting. The cluster shaft moves. Next step is pound it out.
I guess you guys should know what I'm playing with. this is a 39 tranny that has sat out in the woods open for...wait for it...39yers. A famous 1 piece tranny. I soaked it for 2 weeks in used evaporust and that cleaned much of the gears. it has been soaking in Kroil for a year.Now I want to take it apart and learn about the tranny. The little gear and short shaft are loose. it would be fun to see all the gears free turning. I'll keep you posted.

Bored&Stroked · 01-10-2019, 08:15 AM

Clem - I have to give you credit! You are one focused and driven individual! You've been preparing this "one piece tranny" for a year - just so you could take it apart and see what it is all about . . . now that is dedicated to a personal cause! I wish you the best of luck and if you drop me your eMail, I'll send you a little booklet on 39 Transmissions that I put together with the help of another guy who is into them as well. It might help you along . . .

01-05-2019, 08:13 PM	#1
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Removing a snap ring I'm trying to pop off a snap ring on the front of a '39 Tranny. I don't have the correct tool. One end cut slants inward and the other outward. Assistance please

01-05-2019, 08:23 PM	#2
PeteVS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: FP, NJ Posts: 2,770	Re: Removing a snap ring I don't think that there's a tool for taking one apart with the ends cut as you mention. I figure that when they make the rings, they start with straight stock and cut it into lengths with the cut on an angle and then they form the circle. The way I undo them is to hold something against the outside of the ring close to the end that you can'r grab to keep it from rotating. Then, get a small screwdriver under the "friendly" end of the ring and lift it out and up and work it around. When you install a new ring, cut the "unfriendly" end so that it will be easier to get it apart the next time. FWIW. __________________ Don't never get rid of nuthin!

01-05-2019, 08:33 PM	#3
texas webb Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 636	Re: Removing a snap ring And put a shop towel around it so you don't loose it.

01-05-2019, 10:18 PM	#5
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: Removing a snap ring Clem, I use a cut off wheel in my air grinder and grind off a chord which weakens the ring enough to twist it off. Give VanPelt a call....Mac has these rings made new to orig FORD specs except with squared ends. Charlie ny

01-06-2019, 06:37 AM	#6
Mac VP Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,361	Re: Removing a snap ring Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There was a whole discussion about this on an older thread here on the fordbarn. I useful to grind an opposed slant into the one end of the snap ring (using a slender cutter bit in my Drexel) so that my lock ring pliers could spread it. However, now we just work a small pointed pick tool under either end of the snap ring and tap it in enough to pop up the ring.....that will be enough to get one end up and out of the groove. Then we just use a screwdriver and hammer to force the rest of the ring out the rest of the way. All of our snap rings are made to the original thickness and all have the opposed tips so that your lock ring pliers can remove or install them easily. As a rule, we never reuse old snap rings....... __________________ VANPELT SALES LLC Cincinnati, Ohio Office: 513-724-9486 www.vanpeltsales.com www.classictransmission.com

01-06-2019, 07:12 AM	#7
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: Removing a snap ring Yes there is a tool for those. I bought one from Ford New Holland typical snap rings on backhoe pins.

01-06-2019, 09:32 AM	#8
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: Removing a snap ring Thanks Mac. You are the best. The whole project is headed for failure, but I charge on. The tranny in question is my famous "one piece" tranny. It was left out in the weather open for 30+ years and all gears are frozen together. I soaked it for a week in vaporust. the rust is gone except where the gears mesh and the bearing surfaces. So far one set of ball bearings are loose and the little gear dropped down. Fun winter project. I'm stuck with the dissy removal on my '39 so beating on a tranny is good therapy. Happy New Year.

01-06-2019, 10:26 AM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: Removing a snap ring You will learn a lot just taking one apart. Your case is the part that will make it or break it. After it's all apart, you can find out whether it will be usable or not.

01-06-2019, 10:41 AM	#10
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: Removing a snap ring I never put one of those hated Ford snap rings back on without grinding the "wrong" slanted end so that normal snap ring pliers will work. I have found that lots of bad language makes me feel better when I do get them off.

01-06-2019, 12:30 PM	#11
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: Removing a snap ring You can also just use a pair of vice-grip pliers - grab hold of the snap-ring and pull it out of the groove. Simple and easy!

01-06-2019, 10:11 PM	#12
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: Removing a snap ring No space for the vice grips I own. We got close tonight. Still trying

01-07-2019, 08:56 AM	#13
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,179	Re: Removing a snap ring I have a pair of pliers that I got from Sears that work wonders for this application. No idea what they are for, but they have these little flat knurled pads on them that do a good job of getting in there and spreading the ring just enough to get if off. I did purchase Mac's "refined" snap rings to make it easier putting it back to together. Clem, Let me know if you want to borrow those pliers. I'll mail them to you. Would take about 2 days to get to you.

01-07-2019, 10:26 AM	#14
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Re: Removing a snap ring As Mac suggest is his book, and here. Work the in facing bevel end out with a small pick or screwdriver until you get enough space between the snap ring and bearing to insert a little larger screwdriver, and work it up out of the groove. It distorts the snap ring a little, but you can hammer it back in shape, grind the out facing bevel end the correct way, reuse it or buy a new one from Mac.

01-07-2019, 04:10 PM	#15
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: Removing a snap ring Still trying. I'm working thru the TO Bearing lube hole. Wife broke a nail so I'm at it alone now...

01-07-2019, 06:15 PM	#16
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: Removing a snap ring You might try the Loan A Tool program at O'Reilly's or Auto Zone. They might have a snap ring plier kit that has what you need.

01-07-2019, 06:59 PM	#17
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: Removing a snap ring Clem, Are things freed up enough so you can knock the cluster shaft out of the case ,give it a try.Once the shaft is out force, if you must, the cluster into the bottom of the case. With the cluster gear on the bottom you should be able to yank the main drive gear out of the case and get it a vise, then worry the snap ring off. Charlie ny

01-08-2019, 02:25 PM	#18
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: Removing a snap ring Hey Clem - I didn't realize that the input shaft was still in the trans - my mistake! I'm with Charlie - you should be able to pull it right out of the front with the snap-ring on. If the cluster is in the way of the synchro teeth, then drive out he cluster main shaft and that will drop the cluster into the bottom of the case - giving the extra room you need to pull the main input shaft right out of the front. Once out - many options to get the snap-ring off. If the front bearing is good, really no reason to even take it off! Best of luck.

01-09-2019, 04:00 PM	#19
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: Removing a snap ring Exciting. The cluster shaft moves. Next step is pound it out. I guess you guys should know what I'm playing with. this is a 39 tranny that has sat out in the woods open for...wait for it...39yers. A famous 1 piece tranny. I soaked it for 2 weeks in used evaporust and that cleaned much of the gears. it has been soaking in Kroil for a year.Now I want to take it apart and learn about the tranny. The little gear and short shaft are loose. it would be fun to see all the gears free turning. I'll keep you posted.

01-10-2019, 08:15 AM	#20
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: Removing a snap ring Clem - I have to give you credit! You are one focused and driven individual! You've been preparing this "one piece tranny" for a year - just so you could take it apart and see what it is all about . . . now that is dedicated to a personal cause! I wish you the best of luck and if you drop me your eMail, I'll send you a little booklet on 39 Transmissions that I put together with the help of another guy who is into them as well. It might help you along . . .