4300 Range Shifter Broken

paulcapasso · Nov 1, 2014

Hello Everyone!
So I have done some research on this forum and found that the 4300 series has a issue with snapping the range selector shaft on the side of the case. In result you need to take off the rockshaft assembly to access the pin ot remove and reinstall the new range shaft. Deere wants $86.00 hour labor and said it's a 12-14 hr job. I'm 3.5 hours into it and waiting on the new shaft from Deere to install. I'm thinking maybe 4.5 hours more with paint to dress it a bit better and no loss of fluid to complete. Who else has this problem and how was the experience. I have pics I need to upload for everyone to see. This is not as bad as the dealership said it was going to be.

stingray1 · Nov 1, 2014

I've not had this problem yet. Sounds like you're coming along ok,good luck with finishing up. Keep us posted.

mfreund · Nov 1, 2014

IIRC it was a issue if where the original shaft had a o ring groove cut in the shaft made it weak. Correct?

RoyJackson · Nov 2, 2014

mfreund said:
IIRC it was a issue if where the original shaft had a o ring groove cut in the shaft made it weak. Correct?

Something like that...this is one of those problems that can be prevented (or at least lowering the probability) by lubrication. On my sync-reverser transmission, the shift lever is used frequently, the range selector not so frequently. I would imagine most HST owners leave their range selector in B range.
I use Fluid Film...will that guarantee no breakage...nope, but it lessens the possibility.

BTW, I started lubricating both the shift and range levers after reading that original thread.

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

Roy,
I replied to a 2010 post that you were involved in with a very muddy rental 4300 that looked like it was really neglected. Well the parts will be here tomorrow and hope to get it together by tomorrow afternoon and use it tomorrow night. I use the range select a lot with mine. It's a HST and I go all around my 2.5 acres of property moving trees and other BS. Low gear for digging and scraping or hauling large logs, Med gear for moving across the property and High if I'm going to the neighbors properties that is frequent. I'm again not that far in to the disassembly and should go back together rather quick.

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

BrentB · Nov 2, 2014

Paul, would you mind posting a picture of the left hand parking brake linkage where it goes into the case? I'm pretty sure mine is dragging sometimes, and heard the retract springs get weak, plus it needs lubed periodically. Looks like you have it fully exposed.

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

Brent, I'm trying to figure out the picture uploads at the minute, The parts will be in tomorrow, I plan to have it mostly together for tomorrow night. When I reinstall the parking brake I will get the pic up here for you. It's currently removed off tractor.

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

Look at the Syncro set on right. Does that look broken to you?

mfreund · Nov 2, 2014

Looks to have the gear at a angle.

paulcapasso · Nov 2, 2014

Look close at the small set down in the fluid.

jimmysisson · Nov 3, 2014

The synchronizer does look damaged - irregular bits missing. They're in the place it would get damaged if someone jammed it into gear at some point. Did you fish any bronze chunks out of the sump?
Maybe that's why the dealer thought it might take longer than you first thought?
Good luck with it.
Jim

sd455dan · Nov 3, 2014

It does look like the syncro is missing some pieces... and that top gear on the right looks to have a lot of shaft clearance?? The shaft also looks to be dinged up. No chance the top gear is missing a bushing??

Hoping for an inexpensive fix and Good Luck

paulcapasso · Nov 3, 2014

Everything was good! It may have been done by previous owner. That is the syncro for the high range which seems to work great! I am very gentle on it when shifting into and out of 4WD and between ranges. I'm going to leave it alone. there is no endplay on anything that I can see. I did not drain the sump since that is new fluid but it was flushed and inspected so again suspecting last owner had something to do with it. I rarely go into high range when driving it. I finally got it back together today and no where near what JD claims for time. including 45 minutes of beer drinking and staring at it wondering how the **** it takes 12-14 hours at $86.00hr. and this guy with automotive experience does it in about 9.

sd455dan · Nov 3, 2014

Good going , great news that everything was ok inside.

Sometimes the cameras point of view, makes things look bad when they are not.

Jd wasn't cutting you any deal on the labor... Saving around $400 :thumbsup: