Transmission questions ('49 with R-9 overdrive)

Posted by Tom in KCMO On 2014/1/1 23:40:14

Hello,

First time poster,

Have a '49 Station Sedan with an R-9 overdrive transmission that has 2nd & 3rd gear problems. Drained the transmission oil and found one of the syncro clutch plunger/springs in the bottom (not good). Proceeded to take the top off and found that the second gear assembly was loose on the main shaft as it could be slid forward, off of the ball bearings (really not good). OK, looks like a rebuild is in my future. Finally had time over the holidays to remove the transmission and disassemble.

Wow, quite a learning experience.

One of the problems seems to be that the main shaft snap ring has worked its way out of its grove and allowed 2nd gear to become loose on its bearings (see pictures). One of the Packard service bulletins indicates that there should be a 'rolled lock ring' holding the mainshaft together rather than a snap ring. I do know that the transmission was rebuilt in 2012 (previous owner had a garage do it) and, though I'm not 100% certain, I think that the main shaft may have been replaced as part of the rebuild.

Couple of questions:

Is there supposed to be a snap ring holding the main shaft together or should it be the 'rolled lock ring' as indicated in the Packard bulletin? Current experience indicates that the snap ring isn't cutting it.

Do the mainshaft rebuilds from Max Merrett or Kanter come with a snap ring or is a pressed lock ring used?

Has anyone successfully rebuilt a mainshaft on their own?

Thank you in advance for any help or advice.

Tom in Kansas City