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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Bolt size

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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:04 PM
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Bolt size

I was under the truck doing the first oil change (just bought it Monday) and noticed some fluids dripping from tranny and under further inspection found that it was missing a bolt. It is the 3 speed orginal trans in a '58 F100, does anybody have a clue what size bolt this takes? I am terrible at guessing these things, I know there are guys who can look and tell what size it would be or what size socket they would need but I always guess wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cbass
 
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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Which bolt?
One that attaches the trans to the bellhousing.
Onethat attaches the tail housing.
Maybe some other one.
They are not all the same.
 
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:39 PM
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oh yes, the one that attaches the trans to the bellhousing. I wasnt thinking, as is always the case with these things once at home there are a bunch of things I didnt take into consideration before I bought it but by no means was it a mistake, absolutly loving it.
 
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:47 PM
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Guessing a little here but it should be a 7/16 bolt I think.
Just pull one of the other three out and get one to match it.
One of these bolts missing will not cause an oil leak.
 
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:59 PM
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It isnt like it is flowing out it is like a really slow seep. If that is not the problem what is causing the seep? I will still replace the missing bolt.
 
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Old May 29, 2009 | 07:05 AM
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Cbass,
Where does the leak appear to be coming from? If it looks like it is coming from out of the bellhousing then it might from the front bearing retainer, which is what holds the input shaft in place. If it has a hydraulic clutch it might be leaking at the slave cylinder. What type of fluid is leaking? Is it oily or brake fluid like? Is it coming from where the tailshaft attaches to the gearbox case and just running downward toward bellhousing?
 
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Old May 29, 2009 | 12:40 PM
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Not sure exactly were it was coming from. It did seam to be more of a oil but will take a closer look tomorrow morning. I cleaned the whole thing up really good so I should be able to get a better look. of these possible problems is there any that are really hard fixes?
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 05:12 PM
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It does look like it is coming from the point where the tailshaft attaches to the gearbox case. Ok, now what? Please tell me that this is a easy fix, just want to not stain the drive anymore and not spend so much time under the truck.
Thanks in advance.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 06:43 PM
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It could be the cluster gear shaft or the reverse idler shaft. There is no seal on mine, I think they are all that way. The shaft presses thru the case and into the gear. Over time the fit gets a little sloppy, enough to allow seepage. The more obvious possibility is the gasket on the tail housing, which seals the oil in the rear bearing.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:09 PM
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I was thinking the gasket, too. I don't know about it, though. The ONLY time I've ever tried to remove the tailshaft housing on a Ford tranny was the one that was in my '55 Fairlane. It wouldn't come out without taking the bearing with it but I don't know if that was by design or because the tailshaft was bent (from an unbalanced driveshaft) so someone else will have to weigh in on that. I junked the tranny because between that and the bent tailshaft it was easier to have a buddy adapt a different tranny.

If just the housing pops off you should be able to scrape the old gasket off and smear Form A Gasket Sealant on the surface and bolt it back together.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:51 PM
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Is this my best first line of attack? Drain the tranny, unbolt the tailshaft housing, drop it down, scrape the old gasket, smear Form A Gasket Sealant (or is ther a actual gasket for this?), bolt back up, fill tranny and drive happy? Please chime in with any info or tips on this.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 10:20 AM
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My gut (since I haven't actually seen your leak) is the seal around the tailshaft where the driveshaft slip yoke goes in. That's a common leak point on most trannies. Before you pull it apart, go under there with a spray can of brake cleaner and some clean rags and clean up all signs of the leak. Leave it parked and check it a couple times a day to see where the leak originates. Unless someone took it off and didn't reseal it when they put it back together, seldom does the tailshaft to tranny case joint leak. Typically the tailshaft seal leaks then runs down the underside of the tailshaft and drips off at the case connection. Tranny oil is easy to recognize, wipe a drop up with your finger, it is dark, heavy in consistency (90W) and has a somewhat unpleasant odor unlike motor oil.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 12:57 PM
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Cbass,
Let us know what you find after doing what AX said. If it is the tailshaft seal (around the driveshaft yoke) I've got a tip on how to get it out.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 07:46 PM
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nope it does seem to be a very small leak at the tailshaft to tranny case connection. lower right side it is very small, almost enough not to worry about or just enough to **** a guy off. Deyomatic, you have a tip for fixing this one?
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 08:35 PM
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You really don't need to drain the tranny to fix that; in fact I wonder if the tranny is overfilled? The gasket must be really bad. You might try tightening the bolts first.

As long as you can work on a flat surface, very little to no oil will come out if you pull the tailshaft housing. You need to remove the driveshaft, remove the speedo cable and gear (not sure of the exact setup on a '58), block the wheels, then remove the bolts holding the tailshaft to the case. Push on the end of the tailshaft to keep from pulling on the rear bearing. Clean surfaces, replace gasket, and reassemble. Personally I like a <LITTLE> Indian Head gasket shellac on these gaskets. Besides helping hold the gasket in place, it will seal any minor imperfections.
 
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