Rear transmissions

[Guest Xprefix28truck]

I know by reading some past posts that were cars where the transmissions were mounted in the rear. Were there any of these that were pre 1920s? If so can you tell me what some of them are? Does anyone have any pictures of this set-up?

[Layden B]

Your description of "in the rear" is a bit vague.

This is just a hint at those in addition to Packard that mounted the transmission " at the rear end" ( on the rear axle ahead of the pinion bearing) as it was called at the time. Stutz all 4 cylinder (and all those he sold to: Marion, 1915 HCS, Coey, Henderson, Empire, Correja), Overland made their own as did EMF and Studebaker. Many many others too. This setup was obsolete and mostly abandoned by 1920.

The majority of chain drive cars would also qualify as the transmission was usually mounted with the differential toward the rear of the chassis and solidly to the frame. These were called " transaxles". They are distinguished by having some means of flexible drive between the differential and the wheels. In this case chains but today we can think of VW bugs and Corvette and so many new cars.

[Guest Xprefix28truck]

Yes I was speaking of a transmission mounted at the rear end. Sorry it seemed vague. I have an unusual engine coming my way. I have attatched a picture. There seems to be an odd clutch setup on the flywheel. There also seems to be no way to disengage this clutch. It has a pipe plug, so would appear to be filed with oil. So my first thought woud be a rear mounted transmission, with the drive shaft running rearward to a rear mounted transmission. Just doing a little digging.......

[sambarn]

Drive AG is dead on. My Marmon is set up like that as well as countless others. This allowed the transmission to be below the gear shift, an area usually two to three feet behind the rear of the block.

[Guest Xprefix28truck]

You guys are giving me great info. Is there a common manufacturer of these clutches? Does this one look familiar to anyone?

[Restorer32]

Can you tell us more about the engine? More pics?

[sambarn]

What is this unusual engine? There are a few Transmission companies that existed separate of Car manufacturers but not many. I would wager that the clutch would be specific to the engine. Do you have any other pics??

[Guest Xprefix28truck]

Yes I have more pics. I posted them on here 3 years ago tomorrow. I finally decided to take the engine. I won't know for sure if it's a "T" head Teetor Hartley until I get it home. Here's the link to past photos and thread.

http://forums.aaca.org/f170/give-your-best-shot-261976.html