Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
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Topic author - Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:39 pm
- First Name: Brian
- Last Name: Waite
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: B.H. Lawwell Special (1917-1921 Fairgrounds Racer)
- Location: Catonsville, MD
Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Hi all,
I'm working on disassembling my 3-speed aluminum Warford to clean it up and to change one of the gears out. The transmission was found in disuse, but inside was well lubricated and in generally good condition. The teeth on one gear were munched pretty bad, but other than that all looks well. The input side nut is being a little difficult and is a little rusted. I'm using the usual heat, pb blaster, acetone/atf combo to get it loose, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something. I've bent the tabs on the lock washer away from the nut.
I was surprised that I haven't found a disassembly guide. I should write one once I get this all sorted. The rear side finned nut came free with no issues.
Questions:
1) I'm assuming the nut is reverse threaded. True?
2) Any other tricks or pitfalls to disassembling this thing?
Thanks in advance!
Brian
I'm working on disassembling my 3-speed aluminum Warford to clean it up and to change one of the gears out. The transmission was found in disuse, but inside was well lubricated and in generally good condition. The teeth on one gear were munched pretty bad, but other than that all looks well. The input side nut is being a little difficult and is a little rusted. I'm using the usual heat, pb blaster, acetone/atf combo to get it loose, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something. I've bent the tabs on the lock washer away from the nut.
I was surprised that I haven't found a disassembly guide. I should write one once I get this all sorted. The rear side finned nut came free with no issues.
Questions:
1) I'm assuming the nut is reverse threaded. True?
2) Any other tricks or pitfalls to disassembling this thing?
Thanks in advance!
Brian
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- First Name: Kent
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Re: Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Is it my imagination, or is that nut welded to the shaft?Ujustwaite wrote: ↑Mon Apr 28, 2025 6:38 pmHi all,
I'm working on disassembling my 3-speed aluminum Warford to clean it up and to change one of the gears out. The transmission was found in disuse, but inside was well lubricated and in generally good condition. The teeth on one gear were munched pretty bad, but other than that all looks well. The input side nut is being a little difficult and is a little rusted. I'm using the usual heat, pb blaster, acetone/atf combo to get it loose, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something. I've bent the tabs on the lock washer away from the nut.
I was surprised that I haven't found a disassembly guide. I should write one once I get this all sorted. The rear side finned nut came free with no issues.
Questions:
1) I'm assuming the nut is reverse threaded. True?
2) Any other tricks or pitfalls to disassembling this thing?
Thanks in advance!
Brian
PXL_20250428_223301588.MP.jpg
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Re: Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Warfords are all right hand thread with the nut snug then the retaining tang washer has a few tabs bent over to hold in place. I recommend finding someone with an original or reprinted manual for reassembly and adjustments.
Hank
Hank
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Re: Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Pretty sure the tabbed lock washers were the same between the 2 and 3 speed. If you need one, we had some made up a few years ago. Send me an email and I will the info to you.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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Topic author - Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:39 pm
- First Name: Brian
- Last Name: Waite
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: B.H. Lawwell Special (1917-1921 Fairgrounds Racer)
- Location: Catonsville, MD
Re: Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Great. Thanks. Do the manuals contain those instructions or just service updates? I haven't seen one.Henry K. Lee wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 6:56 amWarfords are all right hand thread with the nut snug then the retaining tang washer has a few tabs bent over to hold in place. I recommend finding someone with an original or reprinted manual for reassembly and adjustments.
Hank
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Topic author - Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:39 pm
- First Name: Brian
- Last Name: Waite
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: B.H. Lawwell Special (1917-1921 Fairgrounds Racer)
- Location: Catonsville, MD
Re: Aluminum Warford 3-speed Disassembly
Okay, thank you! I'll reach out.Mark Gregush wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:53 pmPretty sure the tabbed lock washers were the same between the 2 and 3 speed. If you need one, we had some made up a few years ago. Send me an email and I will the info to you.
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Topic author - Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:39 pm
- First Name: Brian
- Last Name: Waite
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: B.H. Lawwell Special (1917-1921 Fairgrounds Racer)
- Location: Catonsville, MD