The Ford Barn

earbleeder · 12-18-2012, 07:05 PM

What are the things to look for when buying a trans out of the car to tell if there is any damage? Last running history is unknown and I want to make sure not to miss something obvious.
Thanks

rat51flathead · 12-18-2012, 07:08 PM

what kind of trany if it is a stick pull the top or the side coveroff and look inside at the gears

Kevin in NJ · 12-18-2012, 07:14 PM

Where the teeth engage the other gear they should be a little pointy, not flat.

The teeth were broached and would have straight lines across the face front to rear. If they are shiny and smooth then they are worn.

On the sliding shaft move the gear fore and aft and feel for lip at the edge of the gear travel. That would indicate wear on the shaft.

Shine a light on the oil and look for reflections from metal pieces.

Look at the forks for wear.

As a general rule you buy cheap expecting to replace a lot.

earbleeder · 12-18-2012, 07:48 PM

It's a 30-31 model A, and that kind of advice is what I'm looking for. I am just starting to learn about my A and saw a trans for sale for 150, no clutch but had a u joint and the shifter cover. I don't know what they are going for but was looking for some spare parts. What do they usually go for? Is there a place to look for cracks and such?

Doug in NJ · 12-18-2012, 08:19 PM

The casings are bulletproof- it's the gear surfaces as well as the roller bearing surfaces that need to be OK. You can definitely check the front end of the input shaft (that goes into the flywheel pilot bearing). If that is beat up, it is a sign that the internals may be worn, too. If you can get the lid off, you can easily check the gear teeth for pitting or chips.

Remember, that people tend to keep the good stuff and sell the rest. So don't pay too much, hoping for the best. (That was not meant to rhyme...)

Doug

earbleeder · 12-18-2012, 08:52 PM

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Thanks guys. So now that I have a better idea about what to look for, is $150 even in the ballpark if everything else looks good?

ronn · 12-18-2012, 09:07 PM

You can buy trans all day long for 75.

150. is OK if there is no damage.

Ted in MN · 12-18-2012, 09:09 PM

If you plan to use it, now would be a good time to replace the U-joint. Ask a Model A club member to check the U-joint for you. I'd say $150 is on the high side of a $50 to $200 range. If you had heard it run in a car the upper range could be justified.

earbleeder · 12-18-2012, 09:13 PM

Thanks again.

J Franklin · 12-18-2012, 10:56 PM

At that price I would ask to flush it out with solvent for a close inspection. filter the solvent through a cloth to see what was in the gear oil. Check all the above as well as for pitting, and without lube turn it in all gears. It should turn smoothly and not make strange noises.

12-18-2012, 07:05 PM	#1
earbleeder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 119	trans buying advice What are the things to look for when buying a trans out of the car to tell if there is any damage? Last running history is unknown and I want to make sure not to miss something obvious. Thanks

12-18-2012, 07:08 PM	#2
rat51flathead Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 45	Re: trans buying advice what kind of trany if it is a stick pull the top or the side coveroff and look inside at the gears

12-18-2012, 07:14 PM	#3
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: trans buying advice Where the teeth engage the other gear they should be a little pointy, not flat. The teeth were broached and would have straight lines across the face front to rear. If they are shiny and smooth then they are worn. On the sliding shaft move the gear fore and aft and feel for lip at the edge of the gear travel. That would indicate wear on the shaft. Shine a light on the oil and look for reflections from metal pieces. Look at the forks for wear. As a general rule you buy cheap expecting to replace a lot.

12-18-2012, 07:48 PM	#4
earbleeder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 119	Re: trans buying advice It's a 30-31 model A, and that kind of advice is what I'm looking for. I am just starting to learn about my A and saw a trans for sale for 150, no clutch but had a u joint and the shifter cover. I don't know what they are going for but was looking for some spare parts. What do they usually go for? Is there a place to look for cracks and such?

12-18-2012, 08:19 PM	#5
Doug in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 965	Re: trans buying advice The casings are bulletproof- it's the gear surfaces as well as the roller bearing surfaces that need to be OK. You can definitely check the front end of the input shaft (that goes into the flywheel pilot bearing). If that is beat up, it is a sign that the internals may be worn, too. If you can get the lid off, you can easily check the gear teeth for pitting or chips. Remember, that people tend to keep the good stuff and sell the rest. So don't pay too much, hoping for the best. (That was not meant to rhyme...) Doug __________________ My '31 S/W sedan project:http://31ford.dougbraun.com My restoration diary: http://dougbraun.com/blog

12-18-2012, 08:52 PM	#6
earbleeder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 119	Re: trans buying advice Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks guys. So now that I have a better idea about what to look for, is $150 even in the ballpark if everything else looks good?

12-18-2012, 09:07 PM	#7
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,787	Re: trans buying advice You can buy trans all day long for 75. 150. is OK if there is no damage.

12-18-2012, 09:09 PM	#8
Ted in MN Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 74	Re: trans buying advice If you plan to use it, now would be a good time to replace the U-joint. Ask a Model A club member to check the U-joint for you. I'd say $150 is on the high side of a $50 to $200 range. If you had heard it run in a car the upper range could be justified.

12-18-2012, 09:13 PM	#9
earbleeder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 119	Re: trans buying advice Thanks again.

12-18-2012, 10:56 PM	#10
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: trans buying advice At that price I would ask to flush it out with solvent for a close inspection. filter the solvent through a cloth to see what was in the gear oil. Check all the above as well as for pitting, and without lube turn it in all gears. It should turn smoothly and not make strange noises.