Afternoon everyone. Had a question or 3 about these transmissions. I’m in the process of disassembling one, to rebuild for my ‘32 Tudor sedan project. At some stage I’ll do a nice build thread for all of you to tell me what I’m doing wrong,but we’re not quite there yet. Long story short - this trans will go in the Tudor , behind a 331 cad motor with 390 heads, and in front of a ‘57 olds rear end. But more on that later. My main question is for the guys who are running or reasonably familiar with the ‘37. I’ve poured thru the old threads beating this dead horse but the primary focus of those has been the sideshift variety. So, I bought this trans, want to take it apart, check everything regasket , reseal repaint and move onto the next . I found a shop manual discussing disassembly, and seen the steps taken to get the main gear and shaft out, but they don’t really go into detail other than saying there is a special tool that most people haven’t even seen. (the actually question) >>> How do I get the input shaft out? I pulled the front bearing, pulled the shaft as far forward as I can but it’s not enough to squeeze out past the synchro. Once I figure that, do I need to take the shift forks / rails out to get the synchro out, to get the clip off, to get the output shaft out of the main case. I’d hate to come to find that I need this special tool to put. The shift rail mechanism back together . The sideshift trans’ don’t have as much in the way I guess when it comes to pulling the shaft, unless I’m just doing it wrong . Is there any literature on these a rebuild book or a real detailed old magazine article on rebuilding these? There’s so much on early ford 3 speeds but not as much (that I’m aware of) on these, just the ones on converting them for a torque tube . Anyone done this recently? Last gentlemen I spoke to on the process mentioned his 37 had been modified to get all that stuff out easier. thanks ahead of time.
Not sure if I wasn’t clear on this, but I’m trying to do this without the special tool. As I’ve never seen one and they aren’t available for sale.
It has been a few years since I had mine apart but I did not need any tools that were not in my tool box. I did make a dummy shaft to put in the counter gear to hold the needle bearings though.
Technical - Transmission, Lasalle transmission gets Olds tailshaft | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com) Paul did a great thread some time ago regarding a Cad trannie getting a 50 Olds tail stock. Detailed pics and very similar to the '37. The only tool I know of that is needed is a good set of parallel lock ring pliers like this one: Proto J251G 10-9/16 Parallel Jaw Lock Ring Pliers for sale online | eBay
Well , I figured I’d share the saga with you all. Managed to Get it all disassembled and cleaned after a lot of head scratching. Didn’t take any pictures out of frustration. After speaking with the guys at northwest transmission parts in Ohio , they sorted me out with new bearings (even the middle bearing that they don’t make anymore), thrust washers seals (ever the one for the shift rail on the front and the shifter) and all the little bits.I could need. Got it degreased, fixed a busted ear , painted and reassembled to find a bent mainshaft after getting the tail piece bolted down. So back apart it comes and now I’m hunting for a replacement 24 1/4” shaft if anyone has one kicking around. Anyway, here’s some before and after. I’ll try and document a bit better when I take it apart again to replace the shaft when I find one. Need to chrome the shifter arm too.
I wonder if @Paul might have a main shaft from one of his conversions? At one time I had a 50 Olds main that was bent and found a race shop that straightened it for 25 bucks.
Post over on the Cadillac-Lasalle club forum,im sure someone there might have what you need,its free and easy to sign up,lots of older guys with old parts on there, Harvey
I remember years ago reading about guys using the LeSalle box behind there flathead V8 was this because they were a better/ stronger box.
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