Re: [MV] M35 sprag front axle, Working or Not?

From: DDoyle9570@aol.com
Date: Thu Feb 05 2004 - 19:23:10 PST


Although some of my friends have posted innovative ways to diagnose the overrunning clutch, you could do it the way described in the military manual. I did an article back in issue 89 of Military Vehicles magazine on this subject, and how to adjust the mechanism, based on the military procedure. To put the article in context, there are two types of automatic overrunning clutch used on the Reo...the earlist type is found only on EARLY M34 trucks, the remainder of the M34 and M35, M35A1 and some M35A2 used the later type. Neither type I am referring to are air-shift type.

What follows is an excerpt from that article:

"Troubleshooting the REO (G-742 Series) Overrunning clutch:

If you have experienced any of the above symp-
toms, the first thing to check is your driving tech-
nique. It is imperative that you move the
transmission shift lever through the first gear posi-
tion when resuming forward travel after backing up.
Long time drivers of M-35s habitually move the shift
lever through reverse into first when getting ready to
drive away. This action ensures that the transfer unit
is properly prepared for motion. Another important
operational factor is not letting the truck coast or roll
in a direction different from what has been selected
in the transmission. This last part applies to five-ton
drivers as well.

If you have not violated any of the "rules" listed
above and still have drive train windup, perhaps the
linkage needs adjustment. On G-742 series (Reo-type)
trucks, regardless of sprag type, this can be checked
in the following manner:

1. With engine off and rear wheels blocked, jack up
one front wheel. Use caution. As the wheel clears the
ground, the drive train windup will be relieved, causing
the wheel to spin—sometimes violently.

2. Now put the transmission in reverse and manu-
ally turn the wheel backwards. Then try to turn it
forward. It should turn freely backwards, but only
move an inch or so forward.

Shift the transmission into neutral. Now the wheel
should turn freely forward, but not backwards."

Hope this helps,
David Doyle



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