Gama Goat Transfer Case and Front Differential Change

[1958 M274]

A few weeks ago I needed to change a transfer case and front differential in a recently acquired gama goat project owned by the Montgomery County Military Museum in Mt. Ida, AR. Here are several pictures of the process. I think they are pretty much self explanatory, but I will point out that it needs to be in 6WD before removing the transfer case. This allows the shift fork to retain the sliding collar that engages/disengages the front wheel drive. As you can see from the pictures, when I removed the NOS transfer case from the crate, it was not in 6WD and the sliding collar had disappeared! I found it wedged in the top of the transfer case, and was able to fish it out. Also, it was very challenging to line up all of the studs in the transfer case and the spline shaft on the differential when sliding the new transfer case forward into place. If I had it to do over again I'd take a small rat tail file and carefully clean out the holes in the hull and front differential housing where the studs slide in. I think it had oxidized some in those holes and since it is a precise fit, it was kind of like dealing with a stuck, slightly corroded aluminum or magnesium wheel...

Here's a video too:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX91A6paHNQ[/media]

 

[1958 M274]

More

 

[1958 M274]

and again...

 

[davidkroberts]

oh yuck... i had nightmares about ever having to get into the front end when i had mine.

 

[1958 M274]

and here it is put back together... Just be sure to use plenty of sealer where the transfer case and differential seal against the hull.

 

[frenchman]

posted message on the other page
again thank you so much for the great pictures
frenchman

 

[Recovry4x4]

Now I know why I don't have a desire to own a Gama Goat. Thanks Joe, I'll keep these pics with my 5 ton brake drum. Everytime I consider buying a 5 ton or goat, I'll go lift that drum and check out the pics.

 

[1958 M274]

This really wasn't that bad of a project. I had a cold when I did this and other things to take care of, so I didn't get to work on it more than an hour or two a day sometimes. If I had felt better and been able to work uninterrupted, the transfer case swap by it self would probably have been a one day project. Doing the front differential too, two days shouldn't have been a problem.

Kenny,
I know what you mean about those 5 ton brake drums! I always pull the hub and drum together using an engine hoist to support the load. Makes it a lot easier than trying to balance it on a jack!

Frenchman,
To answer your questions from the other thread, I didn't have any gaskets. I just scraped the sealing surfaces, cleaned them with mineral spirits, and used silicone sealer. Worked fine! Since it's just a splined shaft on the differential that slides into the transfer case, the gaskets are not necessary like they are when installing a transmission driven PTO or similar part, where they are required to shim gears properly.

A jack under the front differential will not be necessary for you when just changing the transfer case. There are two bolts that go through the top of the differential housing that hold it in place.

This transfer case came from Red River too. Just be sure that your oil pump is working properly! I had to remove this one and fiddle with the check valves, then prime it and the supply line with oil.

 

[frenchman]

hi joe
was nice talking to you on the phone again thank you you been lot's of help and good look with your goat
frenchman

 

[Gamagoat1]

Great Job Joe!!

A tip for all Goat drivers, Check the bolts and nuts that hold the front diff to the hull/transfer case, every once in a while. They come loose and will cause bad things to happen to the transfer case. If you add some Lucas gear oil additive to the transfer you'll never have to worry about loosing prime in the pump.