stevasaurus 23,456 #1 Posted October 22 I have an interesting problem. I switched out the #5053 transmission in my 857 for a new #5053 transmission this last spring. I have torn apart the old #5053 3 speed with the idea of rebuilding it. This is where I need help...should I spend the money for bearings, new seals and gasket? Should I paint the old transmission so it looks brand new, or maybe someone wants that old worn look for an original look? I do not need to keep this transmission (store it) as I am getting old and the one horse I have that would use this trans, has a new trans already. Know this...all of the bearings were bad enough to be replaced (compete set of new bearings). All of the gears are in good shape...except I want to replace the 2nd & 3rd fork gear. The 857 would pop out of 3rd gear when plowing heavy snow. In the end, I will want to sell this trans. (1) It is cleaned up and in pieces now. (could sell as is, need to put 3rd fork gear, all bearings, seals and gasket) and the buyer can buy the parts and build it. (2) I can, at least, paint the castings to look like new. (3) I can buy the bearings, seals, gear and gasket, paint it and sell it as a new rebuilt/trans. I would never be looking to make money here, but I think I should break even. I have no idea what it might cost me to make this trans whole, but it will cost some bucks. Give this some thought you guys, I know some of you think or have to think this way. Ask me any questions you may have. Maybe one of you out there is interested in this trans...couple of picks as is now. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 74,608 #2 Posted October 22 9 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: I have no idea what it might cost me to make this trans whole, but it will cost some bucks 10 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: think I should break even Hhmmmmm..... That "break even" part ... could be very tough to do. 🤔 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,456 #3 Posted October 22 Right Eric...I would get all the stuff and rebuild it...charge for parts only...labor of love. 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 29,365 #4 Posted October 23 Curious - What is "break even" on a transmission like that? I'd assume there would be interest in a completely rebuilt transmission from you, given your Guru status and all... Curious - Would that fit this? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 44,650 #5 Posted October 23 Are the 1533 bearings bad along with the needle bearings? If you put it together I wouldn't paint it. That way whoever wants it, if they have a patina tractor it would look good. If they painted their tractor or are going to paint it, they can paint the trans to match the rest. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 44,650 #6 Posted October 23 (edited) 9 hours ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Curious - What is "break even" on a transmission like that? I'd assume there would be interest in a completely rebuilt transmission from you, given your Guru status and all... Curious - Would that fit this? If that Suburban is/was a 551 with the 2 piece trans then yes. If it has the 3 piece then you need to make an adapter plate and some other mods. @Lane Ranger has an adapter. Edited October 23 by squonk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 12,517 #7 Posted October 23 Not to burst your bubble but one of the transmissions I rebuilt, I had 500 in parts. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 52,941 #8 Posted October 23 Following with interest Steve. I have one on the shelf in pieces and wondering if I should put it together or not. Shelf spare maybe? Or a replacement for the one in a noisy 1055. If one had to do 1533s and/or a 3rd gear I doubt one would be able to sell for what is in it. 2 hours ago, squonk said: If you put it together I wouldn't paint it. That way whoever wants it, if they have a patina tractor it would look good. If they painted their tractor or are going to paint it, they can paint the trans to match the rest. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 52,941 #9 Posted October 23 (edited) 28 minutes ago, rjg854 said: I had 500 in parts. Exactly Randy... doesn't take much with all new bearings these days. I'm the kinda guy that would replace all bearings. I always thought Parts n more was proud of his bearings & seals but other checking other sources it's very close. Have you checked with Motion on bearings lately Steve? I found this place and they appear to have most of the bearings & seals. Decent price and availability https://www.mrosupply.com/ Edited October 23 by WHX?? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,456 #10 Posted October 23 Right now, I am just looking to see what you guys have to say. I do have one member interested...but don't be discouraged yet. I also have some things I have to go through that may make this affordable. I will say this...If I end up re-building this transmission, it will be excellent to use as a worker (even plowing good clean dirt). It will bolt right into anything with a 3 speed, 2 piece transmission from 1961-1969 from what I see...and anything else with some linkage changes. As far as Motion Industries...I think they have the best prices and all the seals and bearings...except the 1533. The best deal from Motion Industries is when you can go to their office and order there and pick up what you need. No shipping, and that can save a lot of bucks. I know that for sure. I want to check out that link from @WHX?? also. I do want to go over to Motion Industries with a list and see what they say. This trans needs both 1533 bearings for sure, and the others I would just change out. This is one trans that will have new bearings and seals...if I re-build it. The 2nd & 3rd fork gear, I could live with...need to find out what Lowell gets for one. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 262 #11 Posted October 23 20 hours ago, stevasaurus said: The 857 would pop out of 3rd gear when plowing heavy snow. 31 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: The 2nd & 3rd fork gear, I could live with When I got my six speed from @Racinbob a few weeks ago, he was saying that if there is any play on the input shaft, that is what helps cause it to slip out of gear so he was saying if you shim that shaft it helps with them staying in gear. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,456 #12 Posted October 23 @702854boy yes that is true, but you could go to extreme and make it worse. Remember, you are talking about taking any slack out of the input shaft gear, but the 2nd/3rd fork gear sets on top of that for 3rd gear to enguage. The fork gear is only kept in place by a detent ball. You are looking for that balance...snug but not tight. If I end up rebiulding my 5053 trans and try to keep that 2nd/3rd gear, you can bet I will be playing with what you said. A little snug could save a lot of bucks. The underside of my 2nd/3rd fork gear is not too bad, I just might be able to do what you suggest. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 52,941 #13 Posted October 23 4 hours ago, stevasaurus said: Motion Industries with a list and see what they say. Keep me posted Steve I may have to kiss and make up with them if reasonable. I kinda black balled them for not giving my 50 yo business an open account. I don't have one just down the street like you do either. They closed a fairly close one, My list with the supplier I posted is about 100 for 13 bearings & seals & free ship. I don't think it's all inclusive tho I need to recheck it. I seldom replace the small one in the input shaft and of course 1533s. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 12,243 #14 Posted October 24 11 hours ago, 702854boy said: When I got my six speed from @Racinbob a few weeks ago, he was saying that if there is any play on the input shaft, that is what helps cause it to slip out of gear so he was saying if you shim that shaft it helps with them staying in gear. Keep in mind what @stevasaurus said about just taking up any slack. Go too far and there can be issues with the shaft binding. Just enough to removing any slop between the detent ball and rail detent, no more. I saw the post about the axles being the wrong ones and not just reversed. I know you can use it that way with no problem but it sure would be nice to get the right axles while you have it apart. I'm looking around for some but no luck yet. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 74,608 #15 Posted October 24 15 hours ago, stevasaurus said: The 2nd & 3rd fork gear 3 hours ago, Racinbob said: get the right axles Check with Jake Kuhn Or call Lincoln at A to Z. Likely one or the other has the parts. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 262 #16 Posted October 24 6 hours ago, Racinbob said: I know you can use it that way with no problem but it sure would be nice to get the right axles while you have it apart. I'm looking around for some but no luck yet. I think dad ordered the ones from that Ebay listing but I don't know if they have shipped yet. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
