How to rebuild a transmission, Part 2

How to rebuild a transmission, Part 2

Last time around we began a repair on an older, typical three-speed transmission, the kind you’d find in a classic farm pickup truck. While all three-speed transmissions of that era have their own unique components, their overall designs are very similar. This rebuild is typical of what would be necessary on any similar three-speed. Even […] Read more

How to rebuild a transmission, Part 1

How to rebuild a transmission, Part 1

With the chassis work completed on the latest vehicle restoration project in the Grainews Garage, it was time to take a detailed look at the drivetrain components. The most obvious problem was the gearshift lever on the three speed manual transmission was stuck. Hoping to find just a minor problem, we pulled the top cover […] Read more


Tie rod ends have a tapered design that allows them to fit and stay tight when installed. Before removing an old tie rod end for replacement, count the number of exposed threads. Install the new one leaving the same number of threads exposed.

How to replace worn steering components

Replacing old, loose tie rod ends is an easy on-farm repair you can do yourself

Older tractors, self-propelled machines and farm trucks tend to get a little hard to control with age. Driving some of them down the road at maximum speed can be a bit like herding goats, and a little dangerous. They will only go approximately where you want them to. The reason is often due to excessive […] Read more

A tool like this in-line ignition tester can help identify or rule out an electrical problem. It’s important to rule out other potential problems before deciding a carburetor is at fault.

Finding the source when you have engine problems

If an engine that has been sitting for several months fails to start, don’t automatically assume the carb is the problem. There are some other basic checks to make before tearing into a rebuild. Some old mechanics used to say “most carb problems are electrical.” What they meant was what people often assume is a […] Read more