Hello all, newbie here seeking advice. Have owned my 2004 L3000DT for several years, 890 hours, lovin it all the way until recently. Front wheel assist quit pulling, so I slid back the front drive shaft tube from the front axel only to find the shaft coupler stripped, and the bevel gear spline damaged. Unfortunately the bevel gear spline only comes in an expensive gear set, basically a front differential rebuild, read lots of work and $$$. So I am asking for your advice on methods to get a few more years out of the spline, as I do not use the tractor commercially eight hours daily. I'm thinking weld the new coupler onto the bevel gear shaft, letting is float on the propeller shaft. Anyone tried this? Other ideas? Thanks for any help you can offer. Fred.
L3000DT 4x4 coupler stripped
- Thread starter fred239
- Start date
You don't want to weld the coupler to the splinned pinion shaft, both are heat treated high carbon steel and something will break. In your situation I'd replace the coupler and not worry about the splines.
I had to replace the ring&pinion on our old L3750 because the splines on the pinion stripped. Actually ended up rebuilding most of the front end. Costly repair!
The main cause of this was years of FEL work with no extra weight on the 3 pt hitch. This puts a huge load on the front axle and it's not beefy enough, or designed to take that much load. We now run 800 lb+ on the rear of our rigs when any loader works is done. And we no longer use 4wd unless needed.
Good luck!
I had to replace the ring&pinion on our old L3750 because the splines on the pinion stripped. Actually ended up rebuilding most of the front end. Costly repair!
The main cause of this was years of FEL work with no extra weight on the 3 pt hitch. This puts a huge load on the front axle and it's not beefy enough, or designed to take that much load. We now run 800 lb+ on the rear of our rigs when any loader works is done. And we no longer use 4wd unless needed.
Good luck!
Unfortunatley the gear shaft splines are half shot and I fear they will just strip out the new coupler without some help. I haven't run a loader on this tractor, nor do I use 4wd on any pavement. I think its a weak link in this design. What should I budget for the front end rebuild?
I replaced the ring and pinion, pinion bearings, seals, couplers and drive shaft for around $900 on our L3750 a year ago. I spent another $300 or so on the ends of the front axle.
Good thing is your tractor is smaller, so maybe the parts are less $.
Good luck!
Good thing is your tractor is smaller, so maybe the parts are less $.
Good luck!
I'm not opposed to using salvage parts, just don't know where to find them. Anyone know of a yard in Florida? Closest one I've heard of is up in TN. For now, I bought a new coupler from Messicks, helpfull tech, great shipping, arrived in two days. There was a little slop on the damaged spline so I buttered it up with JB Weld (don't laugh), I think it better than nothing. If it strips out again, I'm in for a differential rebuild, until then I'm up and running, albeit tenderly in 4wd. I'll let you know when it gives out again. Thanks for your advice. Fred.