MTFCA Forum

I am restoring a 1924 Model TT truck and I have some questions about installing a thrust washer in the rear end between the differential housing and rear axel drive gear. What I am planning to do is machine (clean up smooth) the surface on the differential housing and axle drive gear then add a thrust washer to set the correct gear mesh between the axle drive gear and spider gears. My questions are: has anybody done this? Should I do this, if not why? Can I use fiber, bronze, or steel? I prefer bronze. Here are some pictures of what I want to do (I just used fiber as an example). Please respond.

Hi Steven,
Good question, I can't recommend what to do.

Do you have the MTFCA book on differential rebuild? Well worth getting that and it covers setting clearances and provides advice what to do. Mine is in the workshop across the year and I can't recall that passage by heart...

Generally the clearances in the TT are not so touchy as in the T. It may not give much reduction in noise with a closer mesh. If you plan to shave off a lot of the castings, then perhaps a fibre may be useful, but I have doubts that it would stand up to TT loadings - it may well disintegrate. A steel shim may be better, especially if the clearances are not large..
If you plan to shave off a lot, then maybe better to look for a better condition spare to use.

All the best

Adrian