I'm currently in the middle of overhauling the 4-speed transmission in my 36 Chevy PU. Replacing all the bearings, bushings, gaskets, etc. After looking more closely at the gears I see some amount of wear on the gears pointed teeth. While I'm in here is there anything I should/could be doing with those (cleaning up, smoothing, sharpening, etc) or is it best just to leave them alone. I've attached a few pics in an attempt to show what I'm seeing. Note, the odometer had ~53k on it. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Probably best to leave them alone. I may be not seeing something, but I can't see anything there that would concern me. There will always be a few chips off the ends from someone "grinding a load for me". :-) Especially into first and reverse. (you will likely seldom use first anyway)
As well, it's quite likely that the teeth themselves were case hardened. You really don't want to be grinding through that case hardening and exposing the softer steel under it.
I'm sure they will serve you well just the way they are.
Ole gave you some good insight and advice. I would take it.
I, too, failed to notice anything in the photographs that would give me pause. Just replace the gaskets, oil, etc and whatever caused you to venture into doing all this work in the first place.
put them back in the box, it has taken 53k to get like that and I would near bet you wont put the next 53k on them. You may well grind them a few times but as you get used to the truck you will learn when it likes to change gears without grind. Tony
In the interest of making your pick more enjoyable to drive for you and anyone else who might get behind the wheel. You might look into changing out the 4 speed transmission to a 3 speed. That transmission has 2nd, and 3rd gears synchronized. Just a thought.