A couple of questions , before ordering parts.

[Lu47Dan]

Since I want to get the parts for the broken final drive on my 420 , I have been reading the service manual . I understand the procedure for all of the rebuild . What I have been wondering about is the tool (page 145-15-3 pn AM2774T in the service manual) for installing the seal and retainer on the Axle . Is this tool available or do I need to have one made or is there another way to install the seal so the sealing lips poit in the correct direction . ? I checked JDparts but the part number comes back invalid . I will be starting on this project once I get the parts in . Dan

[Lavoy]

Yes you need the tool, there is no other way, I tried. The tool is obsolete, I got some made years ago and used to loan them out. A few hundred bucks worth of non-returned tools, and I have no more to loan out, sorry. They can be made if you have a lathe, not a real big deal.
Lavoy

[JAJ]

Dan,
I have a sketch that I drew up showing the dimensions for this special tool. I borrowed the tool from a JD friend and made the sketch so when and if I ever get the time I will make my own. If you are interested, I could scan the sketch and email it to you.
Best regards,
Jim

[wwattson]

I'd be happy to make up a few if I could get the dimensions.

[Lu47Dan]

JAJ , I would be interested in the sketch , I will pm you with my email addy .
Bill , I have a machinist that can turn it out for me but , if JAJ will send you the sketch , work up a price including shipping to 16335 and give me a PM on it . I miss having access to a lathe since I got out of the tool and die trade years ago . Thanks guys for the information . Dan

[wwattson]

Dan,

If you've got somebody that can do it for you, that's probably the best way to go. I'd be happy to give you cost if he's too busy or if anybody else needs one. Thanks Dan.

Bill

[Lavoy]

Bill,
They can be made out of PVC, cheaper and faster to machine, maybe you need to start production?!?!
Lavoy

[JAJ]

Dan & Bill,
I just sent you the sketch and four pictures I took of the tool.
Best regards,
JAJ

[DiggerLarry]

Bill,

I'd buy one if you get them made.

[Ray III]

I get the feeling I have an unpleasant surprise coming when I try to install that seal in my final drive.

[Lu47Dan]

Jim , Got the email and thanks for the info. Really need to get a lathe for the shop .
Bill , I have priced materials for them and was thinking of making it from Polypropylene rod , I can get a 4" diameter X 12" long piece for $53 . Now if I can get a hold of my machinist to do the work . A 12" length would make two sets . Would still like you to figure it out and give me a price . PM when you have it figured out . Dan

[wwattson]

Seems like the way to go if you're going to do this out of PVC is to get a length of 2.5" Schedule 80 pipe rather than starting with a bar. The dimensions of the Sch. 80 is ID of 2.29" and OD 2.875". Schedule 80 2.5" pipe looks to sell in the $5 per foot range. It's a little small for the knurled grip of the tool from Jim's dimensions but you could easily glue on the grip cut from a piece of a 2.5" coupling.

I'm going to make one up for Jim and let him evaluate the prototype. I'm guessing I can turn these out of PVC for about $30 each and out of steel for about $50 each. If you were only going to use it occasionally, the PVC looks like it would work fine. That being said, the wall thickness is only .045" with the insert removed so if the thing is going to see much service, steel might be the better way to go.

I'll post pictures when I get the prototype done.

[stmftr395]

Have made a couple from aluminum stock in my shop. Not a big deal. If all else fails let me know and I can hook you up. Mark

[Lu47Dan]

I finally managed to got to talk to my friend that does my machining today , and he has time to do the job so I will order the material for it tomorrow . Dan .

[Gil]

How are you guys coming on the seal tool? I sure would be interested in buying one once you get the fabrication issues worked out.