Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Gbharless
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:14 am
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Harless
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1928 Chevy Doodlebug with a Ford TT rear
Location: FELTON, PA

Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Gbharless » Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:18 am

Hi, I recently got my dads 1928 Chevy Doodlebug running/ driving after years of sitting. After some research I’ve come to find out that the rear axle is from a Ford Model TT. This was apparently pretty common in the tractor conversions due to the gear reduction. I can’t seem to find what type of modern gear oil I should be using for the worm gear differential. I know I need to flush and replace the fluid ASAP since its probably 40 plus years old! Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


Tom Hicks
Posts: 761
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:07 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Hicks
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '24 TT, '26 TT, '24 Speedster, '26 Speedster
Location: Chesterfield, VA
MTFCA Number: 32518

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Tom Hicks » Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:59 am

That is a topic with some varied opinions.

My T's have Ruckstells, I use this:
https://www.modeltford.com/item/90W.aspx
It is expensive, but for me it lasts forever.

For a rear with no Ruckstell a heavier oil will work:
https://www.modeltford.com/item/140W.aspx
That stuff is right high too.

I think you will find Ford used what was called 600W, but I suspect it would be labeled differently today.

And about any modern day gear oil is probably better than what was used originally.

So you will find there are lots of preferences, but no one answer.
Technology, the solution to all of our problems... and the cause of most of them.


Tom Hicks
Posts: 761
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:07 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Hicks
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '24 TT, '26 TT, '24 Speedster, '26 Speedster
Location: Chesterfield, VA
MTFCA Number: 32518

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Tom Hicks » Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:01 am

Some pictures would be nice.

And welcome to The Forum!
Technology, the solution to all of our problems... and the cause of most of them.


Topic author
Gbharless
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:14 am
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Harless
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1928 Chevy Doodlebug with a Ford TT rear
Location: FELTON, PA

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Gbharless » Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:41 am

Thanks for the reply. Someone told me that most oils today are better than those back then. I had read that worm gears can cause more friction so I wanted to make sure I don’t do it any harm. I tried searching the forums but couldn’t find anything but since I just joined maybe I wasn’t looking in the right place. I have a link with photos below. I ordered a TT wheel puller so I can assess the brakes and replace the seals. Found out from a Chevy forum that the gas tank is a Model T with the fill neck relocated. My understanding is the transmission is a 4 speed 1 ton Chevy. It w ould be great if anyone here could identify any other parts.
Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/baio6k8oxc6b ... RBcHa?dl=0

User avatar

Mark Gregush
Posts: 4957
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Gregush
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
Location: Portland Or
MTFCA Number: 52564
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Mark Gregush » Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:47 am

Except for the rear end and gas tank, everything else looks to be 1928 Chevrolet. Here are some links for parts suppliers etc;
https://www.fillingstation.com/
http://earlychevyparts.com/
Link to Vintage Chevrolet Club of America;
https://vccachat.org/
Specifications for the 1928 Chevrolet;
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/ch ... 8index.htm
The 600W would be correct. You can get it from Lang's, Snyder's, Mac's etc.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup


Tom Hicks
Posts: 761
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:07 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Hicks
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '24 TT, '26 TT, '24 Speedster, '26 Speedster
Location: Chesterfield, VA
MTFCA Number: 32518

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Tom Hicks » Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:44 pm

From left,

Lubriplate - correct for Ruckstells

M-533 - correct 600W for T rears

Cheap 80-90W gear oil - maybe as good as original?

Some say the modern oil can deteriorate the brass in the TT rear .


Love your hybrid doodlebug!
Attachments
DSC07416.JPG
Technology, the solution to all of our problems... and the cause of most of them.


Topic author
Gbharless
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:14 am
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Harless
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1928 Chevy Doodlebug with a Ford TT rear
Location: FELTON, PA

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by Gbharless » Sat Nov 09, 2019 9:05 pm

Thanks for the information and taking the time to reply!

User avatar

A Whiteman
Posts: 992
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:36 pm
First Name: Adrian
Last Name: Whiteman
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 TT, 1924 Colonial Roadster, 1924 'Bullnose' Morris, 1925 'Bullnose' Morris, 1936 JD AR
Location: South Island, New Zealand

Re: Ford Model TT: differential oil??

Post by A Whiteman » Sun Nov 10, 2019 12:45 am

OIL, -- you will get many opinions :-)

Yes, most modern oils are better than those back in the day. Also we do not as high viscosity (thickness) as was needed back in the day due to technology improvements.

I run a 'non EP additive' 140 weight oil in my TT with a Ruckstell.
It is most important to use 'non EP' as the EP additive sits there quietly corroding any bronze components in the diff such as bushes and castings.

All the best and enjoy the bug! (ps, a picture would be great too when you get a chance)

Cheers,

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic