The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop uni joint bell shims

Ok guys,

I've installed a new okie bush (thanks for the help Dusty ) and uni-joint. I'm trying to set the shims. There were no shims installed when I took off the bell to do the driveline work. When I tighten things up with no shims the bell is still fairly loose. This is without the cork gasket in place. This leads to two questions;

Is the bell tension set with the cork gasket in place?

If not. Is the face of the bell so badly worn that I need to source another one?

This is a daily driver guys and I need this old beauty back on the road.

Cheers

Bob

Sorry guys I forgot to say that this is a 41 1/2 ton with 4speed box
Ta

Bob

The cork gasket sets the tension.

Thanks Josiah. I can finish the job off now. I've missed chuffing around in this old thing.

Cheers

Bob

I don't like to disagree, but...My shop manual for the '51 says to set the tension without the cork seal in place. I don't see why it would be any different for your '41.

I agree with fab51. The cork seal will give you a false feeling of being tight but will quickly get worn out if taking the load and you will soon have to much play in the bell. If no shims leave the bell loose the seat area of the trans is most likly worn out. "National" seal company made a brass repair for that problem if you can find one or replace the trans case extension.

Tim and Dave thanks for the input. I do have a spare tranny and tried the bell on the back of that. Same thing still a little loose. Is this a common problem on the 4 speed? Anyone else have any comments?

Thanks

Bob

I can't speak about the 4 speed, but I ran into this on a 3 speed. I had a spare I was going to swap in while I had my motor out. When I checked the fit, it was plum sloppy. I checked the fit on the trans that was in the truck and fortunately, it was fine. It seems like a logical place for quite a bit of wear. The only thing I recall the shop manual saying about it is it may be necessary to replace the ball assembly. Now, to find a ball assembly...

A few years ago, Jim Carter was selling a new 47.5-55.5 replacement bell/ball (but not the threaded collar and metal washer/ring). He might still be carrying them. For what years is the ball/bell the same part?

Tim

Thanks everyone for the help. I'm going to check out a source for some spare parts this weekend.

Cheers

Bob

Oops, my bad, I had it wrong and remembered that the gasket between the transmission and the bell housing is the tension setter. Sorry about that.

No probs Josiah. As always I just really appreciate you guys taking the time out to help.

All the best

Bob