440 Final Drives

[jac]

I have removed everything required to remove both my left and right final drives. Goal is to replace the seized steering clutches. Have not removed the finals yet. Making my lifting ring. The left final appears fine. Little/no play in the sprocket shaft and little backlash in the gears. The right side is another story. There is noticeable movement in the sprocket shaft and more gear backlash.

I would guess that most machines wear in the same fashion. Any comments as to what I will find with the right side. It will give me some idea what to look for since I have never work on one of these before. Kind of interesting project, however, getting a little concerned that replacement part costs will be adding up! The more I take apart, the more I find.

[Lavoy]

Unfortunately you have discovered the dirt little secret to these machines. Usually when you remove something to repair it, you will find more problems.
I would suggest you disassemble the final drive completely and check it out. It may only be bearings, and if so you timed it just right. If you continue to run it loose, sooner or later, it will drop a roller down into the pan, and it will find it's way in between the gears and then the bills really start adding up.
Lavoy

[jac]

Lavoy:

Thanks for the infomation. I assume when you state a roller getting in the gears, you are referring to a roller from one of the roller bearings?

I should get the final drives off in a week or two. Tied up on other projects but will let you know what I find. I am sure the parts list will grow.

[Lavoy]

Yes I mean a bearing roller. Kind of funny how they don't just seem to break up when they go through the gears. Kind of like the $300 picture tube blowing to save a 10 cent fuse.
Lavoy