When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/ClutchFind answers to general powertrain, primary and transmission. Have clutch issues and need suggestions? Post them here.
I was going to send my transmission out. It's an oem 5 speed in my 98 Softail to get upgraded with a 6-speed. So I figured today at lunch time I'd rip into this thing and see just what it's like before I sent it out and much to my amazement it didn't even take me a half hour and I got this thing all disassembled. Pretty cool, it's my first transmission. I don't have my manual with me cuz I'm at work but I got a question for you guys, when going to a baker od6 hear set do I have to pull my main drive gear out of the case, 5th gear, and does that require a press?I haven't purchased my upgrade yet but that will be in just a couple days I'm sure. Also any extra pointers would be really helpful like should I go with different bearings and what not....? One more thing, take a look at my gear set some of the gears are pointy and some are not... Normal? or is that just wear. Maybe you guys can let me know thanks...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Jan 17, 2018 at 02:18 PM.
The gear should be removed with a puller (don`t try tapping it out, this can break off the retaining lip that holds the bearing on the inside of the case, it is very thin).
You can fabricate your own puller using some pipe, long bolt, washers etc.
You will pull the gear into the case.
Once the gear is out, you will press the bearing toward the outside, after removing the big snap ring...
The big ball bearing must be replaced, because the process of removing the gear from the bearing puts a cross load on the bearing that can cause damage.
OEM bearings are good quality stuff.
Several years ago I looked into bearings from a bearing house, but the prices were just about the same as dealer prices.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 17, 2018 at 12:31 PM.
The Baker gear set will include the main bearing. I have R/Rd a few and some can be pulled out by hand; some require more but like Dan says, you can fab up a pull/push tool with all thread, washers, PVC and nuts. When the main bearing falls out, I dimple the race with a center punch and use a little Loctite 680 to seal the deal.
The Baker kits sometimes require case clearance for the counter shaft; a mockup and spin will tell. If all doesn't freely rotate, and locks up, there will be witness marks at the bottom of the case to show where to clear. I have only installed two, both were DD6 kits in early five speed models and both had to be cleared; not much but some. Shifter pawl adjustment is critical to smooth shifting; just read the instructions and watch the video; if you get it wrong, a PITA to undo stuff to readjust. It also takes about 1500 miles or so to "break in" the new gear set. By that I mean letting all the parts meet each other for the first time, under load, to become acquainted and fitting together. This is truly a DIY project; no need to outsource.
There was no picture of your gears attached to the OP.
I just watched another video on 5th gear removal. The two guys in the video work for baker and do all the "On the road trans upgrades" where time is important. Much to my surprise they snipped the plastic carriage for the main bearing (all the way around) removed what they could and smacked the end of the gear with a downward blow and the bearing fell apart. Like marbles scattering every where. Takes all the concern of breaking the lip on the inside of the case for the bearing. Thought it was a good idea. Gonna try it tomorrow... Found the link...
Well heck Dan and Dj got you covered, as for the gear teeth yea some come to a point and others are flat on top.
Yea, your all a great bunch!!!! I appreciate all the help...
i never would have thought that a transmission job would be this simple hell the hardest part of it all is getting everything out of the way so you can get to it.
On another note I just got off the phone with Mark a little while ago and ordered my 401s complete Builders kit. Can't wait to get it and Yea I'm really excited, this is finally the topper of all the mods. Hopefully I won't have to go into anything ever again on this except for routine maintenance. Thanks Mark....
Impatiently waiting.... Lol.....
Yea, your all a great bunch!!!! I appreciate all the help...
i never would have thought that a transmission job would be this simple hell the hardest part of it all is getting everything out of the way so you can get to it.
On another note I just got off the phone with Mark a little while ago and ordered my 401s complete Builders kit. Can't wait to get it and Yea I'm really excited, this is finally the topper of all the mods. Hopefully I won't have to go into anything ever again on this except for routine maintenance. Thanks Mark....
Impatiently waiting.... Lol.....
Yea the transmission can be scary if you have never been in one but when you boil it down to the components it's really not to tough. Four speeds are a little tricky.
We'll get it out to you here shortly.
Yea, your all a great bunch!!!! I appreciate all the help...i never would have thought that a transmission job would be this simple hell the hardest part of it all is getting everything out of the way so you can get to it.
Yup, the softail oil tank adds some time and effort to the job; high skills not required, just a PITA. Why did you decide to remove the trans from the frame? That also adds time and effort.
Yup, the softail oil tank adds some time and effort to the job; high skills not required, just a PITA. Why did you decide to remove the trans from the frame? That also adds time and effort.
About about 3 years ago I put in a Ultima 6 that's why I took it out. I was having problems with it not shifting properly. I always want a 6-speed so I took it out then and replace it with the Ultima. Well since then I've been having problems the ultimate now shifting and as cheap as it is and it's current shifting problems (on a right hand curve in 5th gear the trans will downshift all by itself to 4th). I always wanted a baker so I save my pennies and here we go.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
1st Transmission Upgrade....
