MTFCA Forum

Hello T-people

I'm in the process of rebuilding my Ruckstell axle. I had to align the Bronze Thrust Plate and rework it slightly. Now I can't find any information about a dimension (picture) that I would like to check.
Does anyone know this exact measurement when new and can help me?

Greetings from Switzerland
Beat

I looked in the MTFCA Ruckstell axle book and didn't see a specification for the dimension you show in your picture. However, it is important that the P139 bronze thrust plate surface should be flat and not be warped or dished. When you press the bearing onto the thrust plate, be sure to have the P145 steel plate in the recess of the thrust plate to keep the thrust plate from getting warped by the pressure.

Here is a link to the MTFCA book, it is very useful. https://mtfca.square.site/product/servi ... egory_id=3

The late Milt Webb also published a very good book on the Ruckstell axle. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/prod ... &cat=41613

It is 0.595 to 0.600. You also have the earlier style P139 Thrust plate. You may want to add holes in these areas all the way around to aid in lubrication.

Thanks to both Marks for the answers.

Yes, I have the Ruckstell manual at hand, but I couldn't find this measurement in it.

The plate was slightly warped because in the past someone tried to press in the bearing without supporting the bronze thrust plate. I pressed it back, aligned it for concentricity and reworked it slightly in the lathe. The surfaces and the concentricity are now perfect. I hope it isn't weakened by the pressing and will bend back again when in use...
Do you have Mark Chaffin experience with this? The pressure will come from the drive shaft pinion...

I now see the difference to the new record. The drilling thing is a good idea and I'll do it. How big should the holes be?

Should something be changed on the bell P159? I've heard about it...

Thank you, I'm always learning.

greetings from Switzerland

1/4" holes all around will help allow the gear oil to access the P202 assembly. The P159 bell housing should be fine as is.

I drilled a hole at the end of each oil passage, like this:

Mark that’s a good tip, I can’t find the thread but I believe it was Dan McEachern that gave the tip of putting a scoop on the ring gear support Bell Housing (P159) to increase lubrication into the differential housing. Dan please excuse me if that’s not correct it was years ago but it was really easy to do.