[Argess]

Not exactly a hot-rod question, but I am having a lot of trouble finding info on this problem.

The speedometer drive gear in my Ford AX4N spins freely and won't drive the VSS. Can this gear be replaced through the right hand CV opening, or does the tranny have to come out and be completely dissasembled?

[mmerlinn]

The drive gear is on the spider assembly inside of the transmission. To get the spider assembly out, you must completely dismantle the transmission.

And if your drive gear is black, it is probably not available from Ford any more, although you should check just in case. I sold a Ford dealer a black one a few months ago for $50 (just the speedo drive gear) because the Ford dealer could no longer get it from Ford.

[Argess]

Thank-you. I was afraid of that. From some of the part suppliers websites, it looked as you described. I was sort of hoping the outer axle dust shield and nearing could be removed and trhe gear would pull out, but i guess not.

Oh....I think my gear is white.....looks pinkish with the tranny fluid. I'll have to take another look as it's hard to see.

Here's a pic of the gear that rotates freely (and I don't think it should):

[mmerlinn]

It should not move unless the spider assembly moves the same amount at the same time.

In the picture it looks black to me. However, there are only two colors, black or creme, so it must be one or the other. I have no idea whether the creme is still available from the dealer or not.

[Argess]

The pic's not mine....just one I "borrowed" from the net.

Yes, thought it shouldn't turn. Basically it's a differential, and at least two of the three input\outputs need to rotate. Just like in a rear diff where the power is applied to the carrier via the crown gear and at least one of the wheels must turn.

My gear turns with the wheels not moving. So its screwed. Major job to tear the tranny out and then tear it apart. So I may junk the car. Too bad all because of a stupid plastic gear. At least I can drive it in dignity to the junkyard vs having it towed....LOL.

Weather is yucky still....so maybe with spring I'll feel like making the effort to do this all myself.

Thank-you for your reply.