Work on the trunnion shaft?

[three4rd]

Would it be possible to work on the trunnion shaft without separating the tractor?

When I had everything apart the other year - with the tractor separated - I used some JB weld to repair the depressions in the corners of whatever that part is called that has the spring inside. Been working fine ever since but starting to notice a bit of wear on the rear corner where I filled it in. Front corner seems as good as after adding the JB.

Good for now, but if it starts to erode again, I was wondering if I could work on it (would be tempted to just add more weld) by merely taking the fender assembly off. Not sure how much room that would offer. Only ever had the tractor separated once and it's not a job I'd care to do again. Took forever to get those tranny bolts lined up. Engine was out at the same time so it was really awkward with no weight in the front or the back. It was suggested to just replace the trunnion shaft but the description of that job seemed a bit over my head since I was told there are various seals in there, etc. Only reason I had so much apart was to replace the cork gasket. It was, shall we say, a steep learning curve for having never had the thing apart before.

[finsruskw]

Get the repair section available from CCS, one of the sponsors above, and be done with it instead of fooling around with a band-aide approach.

[three4rd]

Well, yeah, except you're talking about separating the tractor - which possibly might need to be done no matter which sort of repairs are made. It was a learning experience doing all that (separating, replacing the engine and the cork gasket) but it consumed the better part of a year from start to finish. i had to take reams of notes, pictures, labeled parts and put them in separate baggies. Trying to avoid ripping into it to that extent a 2nd time. Maybe just use it as long as the trunnion or even the transmission in general lasts and then sell the tractor as is. Engine was completely rebuilt using a block that had never been used. No interest whatsoever in putting another trans or engine in it however. Once was quite enough, although taking out and putting the replacement engine in was far easier than working with the trans. Darn thing almost slipped off the jack for me several times - had assorted boards and blocks to try and prevent it from falling off. Not really interested in doing much major work on this old 129 anymore after tooling around on it (with lots of help and advice) for 40 years. Gotta realize when it's simply time to let go of some of this older equipment.

[finsruskw]

Ya gotta be devoted there Bud!!
It's not that big a deal or brain surgery for that matter.
The better part of a YEAR!!!
Geesh

[athomas]

pull the fender assy off and weld er up !!

[three4rd]

athomas...I think there might just be enough room to work at it with fender off. No immediate need. Just wanted to get some thoughts here since I checked it yesterday with the tunnel cover off and am seeing some evidence of wear on the bottom corner. If a huge chunk of weld were to break off, however, then I should do something. Drove it for years with both corners pretty well worn so, again, no dire emergency. Surely the right way is always the 'no shortcuts' variety - in this case, getting a new shaft. I'll keep an eye on it.

[green407]

No need to pull the transaxle, just remove the seat and the fenders. lots of rood to work in there welding and filing. That's the way I've done mine.

[athomas]

Originally Posted by green407

No need to pull the transaxle, just remove the seat and the fenders. lots of rood to work in there welding and filing. That's the way I've done mine.

I've done most of mine with the fenders off, take the springs out and clamp a copper bar on the bottom and with a mig one can fairly easy weld it and file or use a die grinder to square it all up again. Probably takes more time to remove the fenders than to do the actual repair !

[sawdustdad]

plenty of room to work on the trunnion bracket. Weld up the corners and file square. This is a 129.