[AT] Farmall A casting failure

[joehardy at epix.net]

I recently discovered a broken final drive casting on left hand side of my tractor. That casting contains the gearing between the transmission & the rear tire. As I was removing it, I discovered the bottom two stud bolts fastening  the casting to the transmission was totally loose. the next two stud bolts above that were broken off inside the transmission casting. The top of the casting was broken causing the whole rear wheel assembly to be cocked outward. I found a used casting at Marshall Machinery's junk yard. He told me that this was somewhat common to the A's. I'd suggest that everyone who has an "A" to check all those bolts that fasten the final drive casting to the transmission to be sure they are tight. Be sure to check those two bolts directly underneath the casting. They are tough to see because you have to crawl right underneath to see them. I have the used casting cleaned & existing, rusted parts removed. I was lucky to remove the broken stud bolts without damaging the internal threads. I'm ready to order replacement bearings & seals. The original gears & shafts are ok. Kind of a lengthy job!   

Joe Hardisky 

Ryman Farm Dallas, PA