'35 Model 51 Transmission Removal

Wow, that's unusual. The 4 speed transmissions are typically near indestructible. These 4 speed non synchro (crash box) transmissions have little to no value, I have been given and given away several of these over the years. Maybe look around locally to see if anyone is giving one away that you could get gears from if needed? I agree, I would put bearings and gaskets in at a minimum.
Is it the original transmission to the truck? If yes it should have the serial number of the truck stamped into the flat area above the throw out bearing inspection hole.
 
The problems originally started about a year ago. It would act up every once in a while. A few small pieces were found floating around, never a good sign, but we were not able to identify where they came from. A good cleaning and new gear oil and it ran and shifted fine, for a year, until it didn't. But, even with the bad rear bearing and broken main shaft, she still drove home under her own power, truly amazing. As far as I know, it is the original transmission, *BBT8-T8 13947*
If anyone has a spare 4 speed taking up space they want to part with, let me know.
Thanks
 
New bearings by Timpkin are still available for the input and output shafts. There are also two roller bearings on an internal shaft. Those come up NOS now and then and you can also check with the old Ford parts suppliers.

Clean and inspect the gears carefully. These transmissions are normally very bullet proof and reliable. Hopefully you can figure out what happened to yours.
I have some used gear parts if you need something.

Lubrication of the differentials is important and maybe the prior owner overlooked proper maintenance. To inspect and clean the rear differential you will have to drop the driveshaft which you can do without removing the rear axle.

Let me know how things go and I can guide you if you need help.
 
David,
I hope to put together a list of the parts I need, and a list of parts that would be nice to change, all depending on cost and availability.
I'll send you my list, maybe you will have something I can use.
Thank you for your offer of guidance. It is very much appreciated and will most likely be used.
 
The serial number is more likely *BB18-18?13947* There short section in the front of the book which shows the serial number layout and a table in the front of the book showing the serial number by month of engine-transmission production dates. There's a number between 18 and 13947 but maybe it got stamped very lightly.
 
You are correct! Looks like the Number is 1843947, April 1935.


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Good deal.

Mac VanPelt is my go-to guy for transmission questions and parts. I'm happy to look in my boneyard for any truck transmission parts you may need, just let me know.

I'm also very curious to know what caused your transmission to fail. Keep us posted on any discoveries.
 
IMG_4896.jpgFinally got back to the transmission today. No big surprises. Main shaft snout broken, rear main bearing shot. Rest looks good. Lower shaft feels tight and rotates smoothly. I’m leaning towards leaving the lower cluster and original roller bearings in place verses replacing with new bearings. Thoughts on that? Thanks to Mac VanPelt and David G for hooking me up with the parts I need.
 
You may have already done this, but I'd take the lower shaft and bearing out just to give them a good cleaning and then re-use them.

Did you find a replacement main shaft? I may have a spare if you didn't.
 
KDL said:
View attachment 575949Finally got back to the transmission today. No big surprises. Main shaft snout broken, rear main bearing shot. Rest looks good. Lower shaft feels tight and rotates smoothly. I’m leaning towards leaving the lower cluster and original roller bearings in place verses replacing with new bearings. Thoughts on that? Thanks to Mac VanPelt and David G for hooking me up with the parts I need.
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575949
 
Model51 said:
You may have already done this, but I'd take the lower shaft and bearing out just to give them a good cleaning and then re-use them.

Did you find a replacement main shaft? I may have a spare if you didn't.
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Yes, I was able to find a NOS main shaft.
 
I have every part as far as I know of. NOS mostly from the now defunct Joblot automotive, back in the 90s, some parts from Bob Selzam's Half Ton Fun in NJ. Shafts, bearings, gears, all. They are in boxes in an unheated attic above my woodshop. Last time I looked they were nice. I only have one t-9 truck left and it gets maybe 100 miles per year. Make you a good deal. Will get pics tomorrow. It's flashlight and ladder territory.
 
If the end of the main shaft broke off, I would guess the bearing surface of the input shaft that that nub rides in is bad too. Besides cleaning, removal of the cluster gear would allow inspection of the bearing surface inside the gear, and condition of the thrust washers on either end. Do it all while you'er in there.
 
Thanks everyone for the input. I will pull the lower shaft for a better inspection of the bearings. The front input shaft bearing area looks good. Surprisingly, even the bearing looked undamaged despite the broken shaft. With the exception of a spacer and an oil baffle, the only other part I need is the rear bearing retainer, #BB 7085. I was able to get a good useable on from David that I will use unless I can find a better one.
Date stamp on gears proves they are original. It really amazes me how a gearbox this old can still look so good.
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KDL said:
Thanks everyone for the input. I will pull the lower shaft for a better inspection of the bearings. The front input shaft bearing area looks good. Surprisingly, even the bearing looked undamaged despite the broken shaft. With the exception of a spacer and an oil baffle, the only other part I need is the rear bearing retainer, #BB 7085. I was able to get a good useable on from David that I will use unless I can find a better one.
Date stamp on gears proves they are original. It really amazes me how a gearbox this old can still look so good.
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GB, I think I'll be good with the parts I have but I'd be interested in what you might have for a T8, just in case. Please don't go through too much trouble.
Ggmac, PM sent.
 
Just one month shy of a year, the repaired transmission went back in the dump truck on the 4th of July. According to my son, it runs, drives, and shifts better than ever!:) The truck is now ready to resume weekly runs to the dump and hardware store. I want to thank everyone for all the help, advice, and parts to keep this truck running down the road.
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