Transmission rear seal 41 Dodge WC 4 speed

[Greg W 41 Dodge WC]

Hi folks,

I’ve been working on my hand brake and am trying want to keep the new assembly free of oil. When I took off the brake band mounting bracket I noted that there was no gasket. So I’ll start there with a replacement. While I have it apart, I thought that I would replace the rear transmission seal. I’ve never done this before and notice that it doesn’t pop out easily. Can I do this with transmission still installed and together? Seeking advice from someone with experience before I try a little more force. Thx, Greg

[JBNeal]

I strongly suggest ya get the factory shop manual for your truck, reproductions should be available for your vintage.  There should be detailed information on servicing the transmission to avoid damaging difficult to replace parts.  My best guess is that with the transmission removed from the bell housing, the top plate should be able to be removed, allowing free movement of several internals with the shift fork disengaged.  As I recall, internals are removed from the top opening in a certain order that is listed in the manual.  It is also beneficial to fabricate a stand to hold the transmission case while manhandling the internals with both hands.

[9 foot box]

   Paper gaskets, .010” thick are used between the rear bearing retainer and the transmission case. When assembling the transmission, install the rear bearing retainer without the gaskets and measure with a feeler gauge between the retainer and case. Then install sufficient gaskets to allow from .003” play to .003” tension on the rear bearing. For example, if the clearance between the case and retainer is .012”, install one .010” paper gasket. That’s from my 41-47 W-series shop manual. I’d like to have the correct seal on hand before I took the old one out. A gasket between the retainer and case could solve the leak. It depends on the condition of the yoke and seal. Rick D.