Rebuilding my Triplex

[Freightrain]

Well, my initial intent was to replace it with something newer.  But, I thought I might just see what I had and make a decision later.

After tearing into it, it was just one bearing on the mainshaft that was the big problem.  I have it completely apart and washing it up now.

Fresh out of the truck.

Lids off, back box off.

Compound gears.  Good shape.

Grimey parts

Getting mainshaft out.  Sleeve was stuck.

Clean parts.

Mainshaft out.  Someone plugged the 1st oil galley, hence bushing worn and bearing junk.

Trashed, why it had 1/4" slop in shaft.

Dressed the ID of sleeve so it slips over shaft easily now.

Main box going for cleaning this week.

 

I have basic bearing list.  Everything seems available.  Even the dreaded "double taper cone" in the back box.  I found a couple new Timken on eBay for under $100?  I heard that was the whole deal with rebuilding these old transmissions.  All the rest are off the shelf.

 

Will update as I go along in the next few weeks.

I had no clue as I dug into this thing but I figured why not?  It is already in bad shape, and if I can vastly improve it I might as well before going through the work of replacing it with an Eaton.  There is still a lot of work to be done but I think it will work out in the end.

I want to thank Matt and Kevin for their assistance in getting it to this point.

 

[mechohaulic]

now there a memory maker. unlike todays iron (most of which are automatics) hardest part of rebuilding a tri/quad/duplex was picking the right color paint for the case outside.  a self taught with mentors is knowledge never found in books. how lucky I consider myself to be involved back then. today it's parts changers not many rebuilders. units looking good!

[mechohaulic]

seals for two back half input shafts  ?? 

[Freightrain]

2 hours ago, mechohaulic said:

seals for two back half input shafts  ?? 

Not sure what you are referring to?  The oil tubes between the shafts?  Mine are likely worn but nothing I can do about those.

[mowerman]

Nice going bud. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you’re well on your way. Good luck.

[mechohaulic]

On 1/6/2025 at 5:41 PM, Freightrain said:

Not sure what you are referring to?  The oil tubes between the shafts?  Mine are likely worn but nothing I can do about those.

two outside shafts from front case to rear;(for compound stick) do they not have seals ;; 1in od ? on rear half ??? front half is external /dry.  recall shaft would be worn  resulting in slight oil seepage.

[Freightrain]

Yes, two seals for shift rods have leaked badly for years.  On the list of needed parts.

[Freightrain]

Well, I have the main box home from hot tank and mounted back on the stand ready for assembly.

 

I spoke with local supplier and all bearings I need are $1500.  This includes that double race in the back box.  Everything is in stock, nothing special ordered.  This is totally against all I have heard about working on these old boxes.    Be a week before they are all in my hands from locations in Ohio and Indiana.  Then I can start getting the countershaft preload set.  

Some may choke on the price, but see what it costs to go through an Eaton??  Or get one to put in my truck.  I'll have a bunch more then $1500 in it.

[Geoff Weeks]

Almost always cheaper to repair than replace, cheaper to replace like for like than to change to something new. Often it is the little stuff that keeps cropping up that drive the price up.

 I was surprised I didn't have much trouble when I was going through the British bus trans or rear axles getting bearings or seals. They used some odd bearings also.

[Freightrain]

For 20 yrs all I have heard is "OMG"!!  Been the complete opposite.  Granted I could have gotten off much cheaper but I am not going this far and leave old stuff in there.

I am going to make/repair the one gear bushing because it is so bad from lack of oiling.  I have more pictures and some short videos just so I would have record of it.