Broken gear shift lever

[FergusonTO20]

I searched the forums but could not find any discussion of this problem. That surprises me, because the round nubbin on the bottom of the gear shift lever -- the part that actually shifts the rails -- seems vulnerable to eventual breakage after 60 or so years.
Anyway, mine broke after the brush hog hit a three-inch oak branch hidden in the brush and locked up, locking the transmission. It was quite a job getting the tractor moving again but -- get this -- the gear shift worked fine in getting me out of the jam, but then
simply broke after I had moved about 100 yards, even though I wasn't doing anything with it. So I pulled off the transmission top cover and cleaned it up. I had to build a wooden jig to hold everything firmly while I worked on removing the gear shift lever from the
transmission top cover. There's a small exploded diagram of the assembly here on yesterdaystractors.com; I have placed its link here.



My problem is that I cannot remove the gear shift lever from the transmission top cover. I was able, by dint of generous application of carefully selected swear words, to get the C-clip and spring free, but the gear shift lever is still retained by a ball joint, which in
turn is held in with a pin (#5 in the attached diagram) which appears to be unremovable.



Can anybody suggest how I might remove the gear shift lever so that I can replace it with a new one purchased here at yesterdaystractors.com?

 

[FergusonTO20]

Here are some photos of the gear shift lever assembly. They show just how old the assembly is; it looks like a previous owner failed to keep the joint greased, as the metal shows a lot of corrosion. I'm pretty sure that the socket holding the gear shift lever screws into the transmission top plate; I have marked what I believe to be the seam between them. However, I have so far been unable to loosen the socket; it's probably fused with the transmission plate. I've been drenching it in WD-40 and if I can't make progress, I'll pull out the torch to heat it up -- but that's always an iffy proposition. Again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

Drenching it in Water Displacement formula 40.
You have that much water?
You might try acetone mixed 50/50 with ATF
Superzilla,
PB Blaster,
Seafoam Deep Creep,
Kroil,
Those come to mind easy enough.
Torch and a parafin candle to melt it's way into the seam might also work.
Grease in that joint just traps dirt and dust and accelerates wear.
I suspect that seam is a factory shut item and the pin might go all the way through.
Grind off one end and punch it through. Then you need a new pin to reinstall and peen the ends over once again.
YMMV.

 

[Ericp351]

Common fail point. 1- can you weld/ grind smooth it in place? I have seen used ones refaced with brass after 1 piece. 2- grind off head, heat and press, as recommended. 3- simple pin- drill out, replace and tack weld or pean. If you need help- do not discount bringing it to any private auto shop, or weld shop. I did not see these sold new. Funny story- , evil X wife was mowing with my to 20. Snapped shifter, running, in gear. Dove it to me, clutched to stop, held up shifter and proclaimed I Didn't Do It!! I figured that then I did it, so went back to working on my crawler. Had to be there, I guess.....

 

[Tom H.]

Check link. Tom

No association
Untitled URL Link

 

[FergusonTO20]

Thanks for all the good suggestions, guys. My wife solved the problem by finding a complete replacement assembly on eBay for just $71 (including shipping). I looked at all the photos carefully. It's from a 1952 Ferguson TO20, exactly the same as my tractor, so I'm pretty sure that this will fit mine perfectly. She ordered it and I should have it next week.

 

[Tom H.]

Well done. Ive had a lot of success with eBay too!

 

[Ericp351]

Great- be sure to build up any wear grove before you put it on- will then be good for a long while...