The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Can anyone ID this 2-speed rear?

This (currently disconnected) 2-speed rear end belongs to my wife's 1941 GMC 2.5 ton (CC403). Originally a fire truck, the Department disconnected it, leaving it in low range, since they had no one left who could operate it (1990's - kids today lol!). Seem like high range would be handier if I had to pick just one, for road speed (45 mph). Anyone know what it is?

Brad

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SmV9NMuCNZJUmyxVRTwDcWsSMoiA3xLqsg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XT9dkrCqTYlErzGf_c45xoIsw4P12SUnrw/view?usp=sharing

It looks to be manually operated. Most ive worked with were electric or vacuum. You could disconnect the lever from the cable & see if The high side works or if it is in fact on the low side. If that changes it to the high side you could wire it in that position or hook up the cable & repair it to work.

Whatever it is, the ratios are slow and slower, so, look for some modern 2 speed with higher ratios. 2 speed axles are usually listed or stamped on housing by high ratio only.

Ed

As Wrenchbender said, it is mechanically shifted like the transmission. If the lever is still in place, it should not be hard to hook back up. Shifting it will take some learning, but it will be a skill to show off.

Hy Brad Johnson, that is a double reduction Timken differential very heavy duty and heavy. This was the standard axle for your truck, hope that helps.