Bolt size
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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
Cbass
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
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?
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?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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.
Thanks in advance.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
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.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
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.
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.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
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.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
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.
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.