Removing a HUGE Transmission from 1957 Autocar Semi Truck 

Matt.. Before you order up any bearing kit or other parts for that unit, take a carefull look at the video from 20:02 to 20:20. Look in the gap between the input shaft first gear where the shaft passes through the housing from the gearbox side. When you were rocking the input shaft I could clearly see what I think was the Outer Track of the Input Shaft Bearing moving in the Bell housing. That would suggest that (water cooled) bearing has at some time has been seized and the entire bearing has been spinning in the housing. If I'm right that could mean the housing is scrap. I suggest you take a very close look and, if I were doing that job I would be doing a total strip down before ordering any new parts. I strongly suspect you might have much bigger problems than you think. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think so. I'm old school mechanic and long time retired, I'm also across the pond so can only watch not help. Best of luck and I hope I'm wrong but I don't think so.

Matt, it is how you show things that give the impression of being a professional mechanic. But you add comedy into the job.

15 year Peterbilt tech here. 23:07 looks a lot like an Eaton clutch, if an older one. Should still be able to get replacements fairly easily. That works different from an automotive style clutch. Most cars are a push type where the throw out bearing pushes levers or fingers towards the engine to disengage the clutch. That style is a pull type clutch. The throw out bearing is a part of a clutch assembly. Forks pull the bearing towards the transmission to disengage the clutch. That may even have a clutch brake on the input shaft (didn't get a good look earlier in the video) that slows the input shaft so its easier to get in gear from a standstill. Looks to be a standard SAE bell housing design, one thats still used today. I would strongly suggest changing that input shaft. The splines may not be completely worn out, but there is a step worn in it that can keep the discs pushed against the flywheel and make it hard to get in gear. When you go back together, watch the fork as it goes in. Sometimes the fork won't roll around the front of the throw out bearing as it goes in and can get stuck in the clutch housing.

Wow! The old fiat allison loader fired right up! Nice to see you getting a use out of all these pieces of equipment we've watched you bring back to life!

I always watch to the end. Looking forward to seeing Christine's makeover 👍

You should do another collaboration with Watch Wes Work and rebuild the transmission.

Matt, you don’t give yourself enough credit. Though you may not be a full time mechanic earning your living at, anyone who can take apart the machines you do, troubleshoot, repair and reassemble them is a damned good mechanic. Especially working on the tremendous variety and age of the machinery you tackle.

“FAT ALLICE” and “WHOOPING CRANE” performed to expectation. Nice to see your hard work in repairs bears such sweet fruit!

Hey Matt, that input shaft is replaceable and it goes into a bearing at least on the newer stuff (70s up). When I pull a trans, I don't put it back in with a new clutch without changing that shaft. I've seen them twist off in the past, depending on how it's driven. I'd be changing the rear main seal and rear structure gaskets on that engine while it's out. Or better yet, update it to something more modern but still mechanical just to make the ole girl more usable. Can't wait for a Christine update! She looks good sitting there

Matt the bad bearing on the Input shaft caused all the other elements to suffer damage.

Howdyyawl from the land down under.Firstly, it's good to see your wife & you working together as a team. Looking onto tracy, looks like the needle bearimgs Btween the shafts have worn out. The box will have to be recond. Take note where every thing is, should have no probs 😊

I enjoy how you do things as a one man show. It is not always about the right tools, but how you use the tools that you have.

Rebuild the trans yourself, can always call your buddy if you have questions or take it there if truly stuck. With previous gear box experience, this will be a great way to learn transmissions. Like seeing Christine in the background of your recent videos.

Its been a while since I have messed with a clutch, but the input has two wear spots because it is a double disk clutch. Considering it is only a single counter shaft transmission, your general gear box knowledge is plenty to rebuild it. A parts diagram or manual would get you through it. I don't know if your lowboy has a detachable neck or not, but making sure the PTO works would give you the ability to run the trailer's hydraulics if it has them. Having a wet kit on the truck for a winch or trailer functions would be handy for loading future projects up behind the Autocar.

You don’t need tons of specific experience if you have a good operational mechanic brain. Which you clearly have indeed. Experience transfers and common sense works across the board. Always love watching you work things out. Thanks as alway Matt. Also: man you have built a serious collection of very cool equipment!

When you dropped that Castle Nut into the transmission, it reminded me of a similar 'oops' when I was serving on a sub. A mechanic was working on the reduction gears. They were so expensive the navy only rented them. They could handle about 90,000 shaft horsepower. The mechanic dropped an Allen wrench. Took him 3 days to find it. He got a new nickname.

You may professional help, but not for the transmission 😁. I admire how you're not intimidated to jump into any project/repair even if you don't have experience with it and still make it work.

As a nearly 30 year technician, you don't fool me a bit. That said, you work on stuff using logic, you're confident in the face of adversity, and pretty methodical. These three things got me to the top of my industry, without much formal education. Keep at it, you're doing great things.

Hey Matt Having rebuild a few gear boxes in years past and having watched you for some months. Your more than capable of knocking this out. The only pit falls might be having the correct size rods and drifts to slide through when re assembling lay shafts in the bearings and gears. Worse case ya may have to bush fix some gizmo. Its often what I did, even a wooden dowel will do to line things up, to slip shafts in. Good luck, hope ya film the whole process.

What could go wrong? But really Matt, that is half the fun of watching you on these projects. You're lack of fear is infectious and inspiring. Thanks again and keep them coming. I'm jonesing in between videos.

That is a cool old truck. Glad to see you working on a piece of the old girl. Nice to see “Ticky” the Crane play a vital role in getting that huge transmission out. Stuff goes slower with one person, I have the same issue at my shop. Looks like the Fiat Allis is earning her keep as well, amazing how she starts, 24 volt starter helps. Thanks again for taking us along on your adventures.

A muscle powered box wrench? That's gotta be the first time I've seen you use a tool that's not powered in some way! As to your patreon, you're not really taking money from strangers for nothing. You're providing us something to watch and if folks are prepared to pay for it, there's nothing wrong with that.

I have become addicted to your theme music.

I used to R&R these kinds of transmissions for a living. That wear on the input shaft is because the truck has a double-disc clutch. That input shaft is shot. I'd also be looking at the bushings and shafts for the clutch throw-out bearing fork. Please don't _ever_ lift one of those transmission like that ever again. If you're going to support it from the top like that, you need a strap under the front where the trans case meets the bell housing, and another under the rear about where the internal rib separates the front and rear internal sections. To reinstall it, I'd highly recommend using an appropriated rated 'engine-tilting' type device bolted to four corners of where the top cover bolts on. Getting that thing stabbed through _two_ clutch discs and the pilot bearing will be very difficult if you can't line the input shaft up _exactly._ You could probably handle the rebuild yourself, but I'd ask your friend if there are any tricky bits you need to be aware of.

Ha! Just before ‘first things first, I’m going to kroil the living crap outa…’ I was picturing a 55 gallon drum of kroil just off camera.

Looks a lot like the Spicer Trans on an M35a2. This truck may be a pain in the ass to fix, but once you do, it will probably run forever.👍

Based on what I've seen you do since I've started watching your channel, there isn't any doubt in my mind that you can rebuild the transmission. I can't believe your skills! You, Camaratta, and Jesse amaze me. Good luck.

I never disassembled a transmission of that size before. I have taken apart smaller 5speed transmissions and the spring loaded synchronizers were the most difficult part. You got this! 👍

Matt you worked so fast in this video surprised the whole job wasn't done in this video lol Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow veterans!

Old transmissions like that are nice and simple, don't even need to worry about syncros. Get all the bearings/bushes swapped and the clearances right and she'll be good to go.

That's all I had in my day no power tools except muscles.

Those transmissions are simple. Get your friend to help you strip it down clean everything and with a new bearing kit (hopefully no gear damage) build it back up and it will run a good long time. You may even be able to find a new input shaft if needed. Check your auxiliary box too. Keep us posted...

Hi, As an "ole timer" a professional would know short cuts, however you certainly have the skills to tackle the job. As a rule these transmissions were pretty simple but sometimes special tools were required. Good luck!

The new logo looks great.

I belive you will be Just fine jumping in and tearing this manual transmission apart and foxing it Just a big Giant Gear Box brother Love the Videos Matt 23:20 @Diesel Creek

If you feel confident enough to tackle it, you are plenty capable. That’s how I learned how to do a lot was just to jump into it . You can figure it out as you go. Just find a big space to tear it down and keep everything in the order it came out of. I’ve watch enough desiel creek video and you are very capable

The clutch assembly is most likely going to be an old style 2 disc setup. That would explain why you have two wear spots on the input splines.

Diesel creek! 2 years + ish of watching you Matt! Stuff is coming along nicely buddy

That’s awesome you know how to work on him that’s very good

Great option to have half of the used equipment in the US at your disposal when you need it! HA ! Love it. Most any "mechanic shop" would not have this as an option and they work by the hour (s). That's the reason many of these ole timers end up in the scrap yard. Thank you for saving Granddads model truck from the "yard". I guess he would have been proud of you & your industrious work ethic.

Christine is looking really nice and YELLOW - Good that you have the truck crane working to pull the Autocar clutch and gearbox.

Awesome Matt! I'm looking forward to the day when you can load up Christine on the low-boy trailer and transport it to the antique heavy equipment show with the fully restored Autocar.

Have at it. You have the intelligence and understanding to rebuild the transmission.

I’d love to see you rebuild that transmission. I have no doubt you have the ability too. With the vast availability of manuals available online, forums, RU-vid, etc - any problem or issue you come across there is usually answers to them relatively easy to find.

If you can get your hands on a shop manual that has the specifications for the transmission, torque values, spacing, shims, and so on, I am sure you can handle the rebuild Matt. I am confident of your skills!

Anytime you can have a professional assist, it makes it easier and you have a reasonable assurance that it will be put back together correctly. One missing washer could ruin a thousand dollars worth of parts.

Of course dive in to it. You have nothing to lose and much fun to be had.

Matt, great to see you working on the Autocar, look forward to the transmission repair!

I for one have always liked the little Easter Eggs you drop in at the end of your vids, showing upcoming content. If others can't be bothered watching til the end or not understanding what they are seeing, then that's their lookout........

Matt, I do watch to the end of your videos. They are some of the best on RU-vid. I also see all of the bits and pieces of "Christine". I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the future. 👍👍👍😊 Great job as usual.

Lights on the Fiat are pretty sweet bright ones! Looks like they make things way easier!

Go for it you got man you are Mechanicly inclined

FYI sometimes you can sneak in a 3/8s drive socket on a swivel on the end of a long extension once you break the bolts loose Hang a chain hoist off the crain hook that way you can control the up and down from there rather than by guess and by golly from the crain deck

Crane-cam is a good shot. And you don't need a millennia of mechanical experience, you need the spirit of the master mechanic. Knowing all things are possible takes you half way there.

Atta boy, Matt - just not afraid to tackle about anything !!

MATT , you Can do it !

We knew a 15 year old kid that could rebuild manual transmissions just because he had the knack. Much older and more experienced mechanics took their stuff to him. I think you have the knack for it too. It will be fun to watch.

Putting that transmission back is a joy to look forward to.

I spy with my little eye... Matt has a shiny new Milwaukee Ratchet! Another great video! Thanks1

Matt, I would suggest locating a vintage "Motors Heavy Truck" repair manual, for that era or a couple years later, most likely find it online or eBay, It will have all the specs of that truck, plus Whites, Macks, ect, and specs plus rebuild proceedures of both, tramissions, engines, rear ends, steering gears, brakes, ect. They are worth their weight in gold. That way you can tackle anything on that truck that needs repaired. Good luck, You can repair that Spicer yourself.

Your a very humble man Matt and we viewers appreciate that! I also say GO FOR IT, dive right into that trans and take tons of pictures to refer to. You can do it!

"like every flat surface I own..." JFC truer words were never spoken. No matter how much storage or surface area I add, it quickly fills. Maybe I'm just a hoarder but damnit, I'll need this s@#$ some day...

Hi, if Phil Yew is correct on the housing, it could be machined and a bush inserted to reclaim the casing, there should be plenty of meat to allow this. Also if you find play in the selector forks I have in the past sif bronze brazed the faces and then machined or filed them back to fit the hubs. Hope this may be of use and you are well able to overhaul this box yourself. you will need a dummy first motion shaft to hold the bearing needles and thrust washers in place until you refit the first motion shaft ( at a push the dummy shaft can be made of wooden dowel ! ) As I live in the UK I would love to assist you with this bit of a chore but I am still working at the age of 74 and too old!!

Just as you mentioned near the end of the video, if you have a good parts breakdown, that will get you through it. You will do just fine with it on your own. Just be prepared, there will likely be roller bearings falling all over the place :)

Hi Matt, i watched you turn wrenches on so many projects and believe that you are more than capable to work on this trans buddy. I've been watching you for years work on all sorts of stuff with only normal issues that anyone could have. I back you 120% brother, your a smart guy, you got this Matt. I'm looking forward to your next video. Cheers Big Benny, from the east coast of Australia N.S.W.

Hey Matt, something I have been wondering about the crane truck. Is there a way to throttle up the engine (interior throttle lever, etc) while running the crane? It sounds like the engine and hydraulics are struggling a bit while running the crane. Wonder if she would happier idled up to 1,100 or so RPM. Not a critique, just curious. Keep up the great work.

Our family runs a auto salvage yard...about 8 years ago we bought our first Milwaukee Fuel 1/2 cordless Impact guns...we absolutely love them...We had tried Dewalt, Ingersoll Rand, and Makati beforehand...they all make decent products..but when the going gets tough..It Milwaukee time.. 👍

Can't wait Matt, I'm glad to see the autocar once again!

I used to fix everything myself but as I've gotten older you can't imagine the joy I get out of paying someone to do the heavy work. Small jobs I still do my self

Thanks Matt, Nice quality video and intro music. Got to love a Autocar, Brockway, REO etc...

Must say that forklift/frontend loader sounds sweet

Based on what I've seen you attempt and complete and the fact that I have done many manual and auto trans I'm positive you can rebuild this trans with no problem. I hope you decide to do it yourself and take us along.

Thanks for the video Matt. I personally think you are more than capable of rebuilding an old truck gearbox. As you said as long as you can get the bearings and parts for the old girl it's a case of taking your time. The worst that could happen is you end up taking it to your friend in parts.

It doesn't appear very complicated I believe you got that man.

You absolutely have the skills to tackle this rebuild yourself, I'd love to see it.

Hell yeah. Came to this channel for the Autocar, stayed for Matt.

Oh, that was a smart way to do it. I would have dropped it inside, and realized after. I've done car transmissions before, not those big boys. Love the way you work. I think you'll be able to do it. Just take your time, take lots of photos, find a manual, and do it. You may not have done it before, but every transmission man also said the same thing. I've never done one of these before.

Moving that truck back into the shop was =so= sketchy...something I'd probably have done back in the day. 😁

Love the colors of the trees . I just received my Diesel Creek hoodie and love it .

Matt, do the rebuild on the trans yourself! You're more than capable, and it'd make an awesome video.... Plus, I think a lot of your subscribers (or maybe just me) would like to see the condition of it as it comes apart. No matter what you decide to do with it, it's good to know someone has an appreciation for these old trucks! 👍👍

Lots of good comments by the time I got here. Yea, I think you can handle the rebuild, but since pro help is available, I'd go for it.

Matt is a bodger. (This is an old Lincolnshire term for someone who is not a craftsman but can get things working.) One of the best bodgers I have seen.

When are we going to see more progress? My dad had a 1967 auto car and i loved that truck, it was beautiful and his show truck.

Today, Matt uses the entire “forgotten fleet” to transform a transmission.

Matt, when the ground is frozen Never lift the tires off the ground with the outriggers, you and the truck will then be ice skating if the ground isn’t perfectly level. Not a ride you really want to take. You should have no problems rebuilding the gear case, parts should be available same with the clutch pack.

You can absolutely do it yourself, the problem is knowing “what” you should do (e.g. replace that input shaft!). I’d say at least have a good video call with your buddy so he can advise you - might save you a couple hours drive and the hassles of getting to trans to him, or him to you.

We had a class in the navy, "tools and their uses" a wrench is not a hammer. But sometimes a wrench makes a good hammer

DAMN SON YOU BLOWIN UP, CONGRATULATION ALMOST 350K SUBS

You and Wes should do a colab for rebuilding the trans

Mechanical aptitude and confidence make you a great mechanic. And heck, if ain’t right the first time, it’s not like it’s someone else’s! Keep up the great content!

Matt, rebuild the transmission on your own. No better way to learn then hands on. If you always get stuck, I’m sure your buddy will help you out. Also, if your okay answering it, may I ask what you do for a living? Your an excellent video maker with strong mechanical skills. Thanks

If you have a buddy available and willing to help out with the transmission it'd be a good idea to invite him over to make sure you rebuild it correctly.

Life is so much easier when you have the right tools. How do you get the gearbox out from under the truck? Lift the truck up and push it out of the way!

Those new lights on the loader are hella bright :D

Havent seen A Dana Spicer Transmission in ages Matt 21:06 @Diesel Creek

Het Matt, great to see you wrenching on the Autocar Truck, thing is a beast, cant wait to see that thing going down the road! Great video as usual Matt!

Go visit with your transmission friend and have him help you. It'd be good content too. Clutch is no odd ball.

As a collector of fine old iron myself, I really enjoy seeing you work on those beautiful pieces you have amassed! My Transtar II is hanging around out back with its' fingers crossed in hopes of percolating to the top of my projects list...and Autocar is inspiring me to bump up his priority rating! 🤘🤯

OK Matt ...You get Two Gold Stars For pulling that off by yourself !!!!

I have always lived by the notion that if another person can do it so can I. Many people have rebuilt those transmissions and probably not as smart as you. You can do it!