OK-we are continuing to make recent progress. A few updates and questions before we set the clutch assembly into the chassis cradle. Yes, I think I am that close...updated link below. Recent photos under Steering Clutch, (install) Album:

www.picturetrail.com/uid6748227

In regard to the roller bearing cage:

1. I think the narrow slots remain DIRECTLY on the top, (12 o'clock), allowing the oil to run into them and creep into the roller bearing. I think the larger oval holes go on the bottom in order to allow the oil to drain out. These are not 180 degrees apart...seen right???

2. The cork strip gaskets that fit into the grooves in the clutch cradle will be wrapped around the cage and fixed to it only after the backlash has been adjusted. These will not neccessarily be at the edge of the cage...seem right???

I am curious about the cage that holds the thrust bearings. If you look at it, it has an oil port on each end-why? The oiler tubes from above are only located at the front of the compartment.

How does the oil get into the holes on the back side. It does not appear to hurt anything, but just curious. Incidentally the hole on the front that takes the oil was more clogged than was the hole near the rear of the machine.

I went ahead and cut down a bushing to install in the oiler tube arms. I found one that was long enough to cut in half. We had to grind it down inside a little to make it fit on the shaft. If fit fine until we installed the bushing in the arms and then it squeezed down just a bit. We lucked out and got a surprisingly clean cut considering we used my radial arm saw with a metal blade. Also, the part numbers stamped in them are "6B6373" and "6B6374". These part numbers are one off from what my 1954 parts book lists. It lists "6B6371" and "6B6372"...I wonder why they changed them?

The shafts I had made fit perfectly in the chassis sockets. I could not find a reasonable substitute for the rivets. Mainly due to cost for that particular length. So I am using hardened clevis pins cut to length with hardened lockwashers I ground down to the correct diameter. I do not think the lock washers are necessary, but they are doing no harm.

I checked CAT several months ago for the bevel gear guard felt gaskets, I was told they were discontinued...I checked again on a whim Saturday afternoon and they had them. Came in today. Pretty pricey. A total of six for $25 shipped. I could not find the material to make them anywhere in town.

I know why CAT places cork in the void or unused bolt sockets. The holes under the winch where the inspection plates would normally be are virtually void of useable threads. I am sure moisture under the winch was trapped and just ate away at those threads over the years.

I think I have all the peices accumulated, cleaned and pretty much ready to install. My son and I were in the barn this evening fitting the oiler arm bushings and going through the assembly thought process. I think we are ready. Now we just need to sort out an evening to do it...

thanks-
bernie

#1 I can't remember.
#2 sounds right.

The thrust bearing cages are the same part for left and right, thus the extra holes should be plugged with the 4- L1026 plugs.

Your reading casting numbers, not part numbers on the funnel tubes.