How universal are the rear ends in cubs?

[jbrewer]

Are all narrow frames including Original the same rear end/transaxle?

I should know this! :-)

John

[J-Mech]

The O uses a different transmission than all the others.

All other gear drives are the same, but there were different shift levers used over the years. At least 3, if memory serves. There are also 3 different second gear speeds used over the years. Outside of that, they are the same unit. The aluminum gear drive was different, but the internal parts are interchangeable. It did use a completely different ring and pinion.

The hydro's only differ by the suction tube, and whether they are ported or non-ported. They will interchange even into the aluminum rear ends when they came out. I should add, that the later machines (cyclops) went to a splined input shaft instead of the pinned shaft. Otherwise the two units are identical in mount and function.

[jbrewer]

Thanks for the info Jon. I'd have gone to look at my O's vs others, but I'm laid up with a bad leg after some pretty extensive surgery. It'll be a while before I can do fun wrenching on the Cubs.

Also interesting about the 2nd gear. I've noticed that on my running "O" , that I rebuilt with some gears scored off of Ebay some years ago, that the 1st and 2nd gears are not hugely different in ratio.

[Alvy]

Yeah the O ratios were different. I love them but will say that first is a bit slow, second is a good transition, but there’s a real big jump to third that makes you hold on for sure

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Alvy

Yeah the O ratios were different. I love them but will say that first is a bit slow, second is a good transition, but there’s a real big jump to third that makes you hold on for sure

1st and 3rd is the same in all. Second is the different one. The O had a different reduction ratio as I recall. I do not know what it is, and would need a paper book to give the ratio. The reduction gears are NLA and do not show what tooth count they have.

[Merk]

The Original had the same gear ratios as the early 70 and 100s. The difference was in the pullies (Original) and gear reduction gears (post Originals). All IH Cub Cadets from the 70-100 on had the gear ratio in the gear reduction box.

As stated in an earlier post 2nd gear was the only gear that had a different ratio IH Cub Cadet produced. The earlier Serial number 65458 thru 96765 IH Cub Cadet 70-100s had a 16 tooth 2nd gear. There were some problems with owners breaking 2nd gear. At serial number 96766 Cub Cadet went to a 19 tooth second gear.

The 19 tooth 2nd gear was used thru the 73 and 1X6 IH Cub Cadets.

Beginning with the Wide Frame series (86-108-128) IH Cub Cadet used an 17 tooth 2nd gear. The 17 tooth 2nd gear continued thru the Quiet Line series.

My information came from the Cub Cadet parts lookup.


I have mowed with all 2nd gear ratios. 19 tooth is to fast....16 tooth is a little on the slow side....17 tooth is one I like the best. I still mow my yard with a clutch-manual transmission.

[twoton]

Originally Posted by jbrewer

.... I'm laid up with a bad leg after some pretty extensive surgery......

Here's to a quick recovery John.

David

[Gompers]

There’s also the internal/external brake situation.

Did gear drives have that as well or was it just the hydros?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Gompers

There’s also the internal/external brake situation.

Did gear drives have that as well or was it just the hydros?

Yes, the gear drives had either/or. But that isn't a big deal. They are interchangeable. All the transmissions had the bracket for the internal brake. They just put a plug in the hole for the internal brake, on the external brake trans tractors.

[darkminion_17]

My yellow and white 582 has a 17 tooth, at plow day it was slowwww.