Cracked Rear Cap

[aboyandhisdog]

Hi guys, been a while.� I have a crack in the "rear cap" - that's the housing where the speedo gear is and the E. brake lever attaches between the TC and the E brake.� (I never knew what it was called 'til now).� Anyway, my question is:� Is this case cast iron or steel?� Can it be welded or would I be better off just finding a new one?� The case is split next to the post that holds the E brake lever so there will be some strains on it when the brake is on.
Thank you!

[athawk11]

It's great to hear from you.
�
I'm pretty sure the rear bearing cap is cast iron. I have seen numerous rear caps available on Ebay. I had a broken front bearing cap.� While looking for a replacement, I kept seeing lots of rear caps and very few fronts.

It seems that it would be a fairly easy part to replace without tearing the whole Willys apart.

I don't have the equipment to weld iron, thus my search.� �You have skills.� You might be able to fix yours.� Let us know if you try it.� I would like to know your process and how it turns out.

Again, great to see you on the 3A Page.

Tim

 

[athawk11]

I did a quick scan and saw a couple available.� This was the most reasonably priced cap...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-WILLYS-JEEP-CJ2A-CJ3B-M38-T90-TRANSFER-CASE-REAR-BEARING-CAP-RETAINER-/231265664458?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35d881fdca&vxp=mtr

Seller is a little unsure on his description, but this looks correct to me.

Tim

[aboyandhisdog]

Thanks so much Tim.  That does look about right but I'm not seeing the opening for the E brake post.  May just be hidden in the pic.  Or, could it be for a model without the E  brake on the driveshaft???

[athawk11]

Good point.


You might post your need in the wanted section here and at the 2A.� I'll bet you'll find someone willing to give you a spare for a decent price.

Tim

[Carls_jeep]

Replace it.

[Bruce_W]

  Many years ago now, I broke the rear cap on my 3B while installing it. I don't remember just how, but I do remember cussing myself for a dummy. I ground the broken edges back to create a "V" maybe an eighth inch wide and deep, bolted both pieces to an empty case to hold them aligned, and brazed it. After brazing the "outside" I unbolted it and brazed the flat side, then filed the brass smooth on the flat side. Good temporary repair. Still running it. BW

[Carls_jeep]

It should have been line bored after that repair. The welding would deform the cap and the bore.

Some day when you tear the engine down study the wear pattern on the lower bearing shell of that cap.

[Bruce_W]

It should have been line bored after that repair. The welding would deform the cap and the bore.

Some day when you tear the engine down study the wear pattern on the lower bearing shell of that cap.

?   Carl, did you read the OP's initial post?   BW