Found Way to Remove Trans. Mainshaft Snap Ring

[19Fordy]

After some experimenting I came up with this method so snap ring is not damaged. Wear safety goggles.

Be patient as you may have to try more than once to get the positioning of the machinists clamp correct. When removed the snap ring still maintained it's 1 7/16 in. ID and it was easy to make the ends align. Don't forget to regrind the snap ring taper for easy removal next time.

1. Place main shaft in vise with alum. jaws and use machinist's parallel clamp to hold snap ring in place as shown. Blue tape prevents slipping.

2. Make sure top jaw of clamp extends beyond the end of the snap ring with the backwards cut, leaving only a small space to insert snap ring plier jaws. Photos 1 thru 4.

3. Insert snap ring pliers and expand snap ring by placing on leg of the pliers AGAINST THE JAW of the clamp and the other against the snap ring. Photo 5.

4.With snap ring extended, insert small blade screwdriver between shaft and snap ring.
Photos 6 and 7

5.Then insert larger blade screwdriver to gently lift and pry snap ring away from shaft. Do this a little at a time so you don't permanently distort the snap ring. DON'T LET THE SCREWDRIVER BLADE CATCH INSIDE THE SNAP RING GROOVE BY MISTAKE. Go slow.
Photos 8,9, 10, 11

I "custom filed" the jaws of my 52 year old snap ring pliers just a tiny bit to make them "grab" better. Hope this helps.

[rockfla]

Jim
As a graduate of the VanPelt transmission class back in September, this was the first tool of about three I ordered for just this purpose. I have the number of the pliers he used in my book at home but this gets the point across. IF you plan on doing more work you can find them on Amazon. I got two different ones and can let you know as soon as I get home which ones!!!


ALSO, two "Brass" drift punches 5/8 & 3/4" diameter. I am also building a couple of the "detent" screw removal tools for the hydraulic shop press for Tim Ayers and KiwiTony!!! (and for myself)

[rockfla]

Detent tool IF you plan on working on your shifter tower and have a hydraulic press

[19Fordy]

Thanks Rock. looking forward to the additional info.
Why Henry used the "backwards taper" is a mystery.

[rockfla]

Those pliers save the day!! IF memory serves, I think VanPelt sells them in his catalog???

[19Fordy]

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Rock:
I think the reason Ford made that "backwards slant" snap ring was to save money so that during the manufacturing of the snap ring only one "cut" was made thereby rendering one end of the snap ring with a backwards slant unsuitable for snap ring pliers.
Ford was then able to place the snap ring on the shaft and literally push it forward over the small taper on the shaft and expanded into position in the groove and against the gear.

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Rock:
I think the reason Ford made that "backwards slant" snap ring was to save money so that during the manufacturing of the snap ring only one "cut" was made thereby rendering one end of the snap ring with a backwards slant unsuitable for snap ring pliers.
Ford was then able to place the snap ring on the shaft and literally push it forward over the small taper on the shaft and expanded into position in the groove and against the gear.

...and irritate every mechanic for the next hundred years. BTW-good fix!

[rotorwrench]

Mac VP has the retaining rings that are easy to remove and they are the correct thickness. I believe he has a ring kit that has all of them. I fought the OEM types and was glad to get Mac's stuff. I chucked the old ones in the steel bin.