Fort Pierce Repairs - Part 2

On a lovely rainy day on sailing vessel Seeker, Todd Farnham embarks on an intricate repair project. His mission is to put back together the transfer case with the strongest parts he can find.

Rainy Day Project

Down in the hole at MP205 cases.com, Todd receives a bunch of parts and conducts thorough research to order some more. One original shaft had some wear on its end which didn’t sit well with him, so he replaces it with a new one.

Replacing the Snap Ring

The magic of the repair lies in replacing the snapped ring which exploded during the last incident. Todd replaces this with a part made up of several stacks of roller bearings and a helical gear designed to take the load.

Thrust Bearings

In place of heavy duty snap rings, stronger thrust bearings are installed. Thrust bearings are made to handle the load as the part is pushed down and turned.

The shaft goes through these roller bearings which are designed for loads from external forces like holding a tire against an axle. A new and stronger housing encases everything now, taking the pressure off the parts inside.

Strengthening the Transfer Case

The transfer case is rebuilt with the strongest possible parts available to make it last for an extended period of time. Todd reflects on all the challenges he’s faced so far with the transmission.

Alternative Solutions

Todd weighs up several options, including replacing it with a more expensive and bigger alternative such as a twin disc. However, Todd sticks with his current solution while also addressing any concerns about vibrations and longevity.

Lovejoy Connectors

Todd suggests implementing Lovejoy connectors, which provide a soft connection between parts that absorb torque without letting it transfer directly. This prevents too much force from being placed on any one part in the transmission system.

Rainy Day Fix

In the end, Todd concludes that putting in a lovejoy connection may not take up much space and could potentially make his transfer case last longer.

The transfer case is reinstalled with all joints greased, and the bolts are snug. As per usual, there’s some noise coming from the U joint, but overall it seems to be working fine. The team decides on exploring alternative solutions, such as dampeners or clutches for better efficiency.

Next Steps

Todd has a conversation with Matthew about their idea of adding a clutch to the system which would slip when starting, and then lock in. They consult JD from torque converter Eliminator guy in Texas who talks to Mikey to further discuss this.

Their main goal is to make sure that any potential replacements are compatible with their current engine. The team works on creating the perfect balance between fuel economy, speed and reducing vibration and torque as much as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Todd’s transfer case repair journey was marked with various challenges that led to innovative problem-solving. The team worked together to rebuild the transmission system more efficiently and strongly. With continuous experimentation and determination, they are striving towards achieving the perfect setup for their sailing vessel Seeker.