Overdrive shift fork breakage

[garage gnome]

In October, during the last ride of the year with my '53, the cast aluminum shift for snapped on me. Fortunately, it doesn't cause any damage, but I severely missed it. I did some searching on the web and found out that the ones used in Warn ODs were bronze and AA cheapened up the design. It has been a problem for the past 20 years now. My OD is 3 years old.

I called up AA and asked if it was a free replacement. No go. They also said they upgraded the design and it shouldn't have broke. Well, mine matched some pictures I found on the web of earlier versions. I don't think they did. I asked Herm if he had bronze replacements. No go. So, being resourceful, one of my antique engine buddies makes high quality castings. I bought some off him for one of my engines. I asked him and he said he could do it. Well, today my new and improved bonze ones showed up! The cost for these two plus shipping back to me cost the same as a new cast aluminum one from AA.

My broken fork.







I had two made because I want to put an OD in the '49 eventually, so I don't want to have this issue again.



My friend reinforced the area where mine broke. Should have no troubles now!

[Quebec Jeep]

Wow! Would like to have friend as your.

[garage gnome]

Finally! This saga is complete. I got my new shift forks all done and machined. At least I have a good spare now for the '49 if I decide to put a Saturn it in.



It sure looks great having that silver box thingamajig back under there! It has been out since November. I noticed that it shifts into overdrive much better now. I think (this is just pure speculation) that the cast aluminum fork flexes while shifting, thus causing the failure. I don't think I'll have any issues for a long time to come.

[garage gnome]

Now that I got to drive it with the improved fork, there is a huge difference in the way it shift. Before, it would grind a tad and didn't feel quite as positive. Now, it shifts smoothly and you can really feel it engage. I suspect that the aluminum fork bends a bit, which also cause it to break, resulting in the poor shifting qualities. I remember it didn't grind when I first got it 3 years ago. My word of advice is, if your new Saturn OD starts to grind, take it out and check the fork! You might see cracks developing.