Clocking the gearbox on an M12000 (1 Viewer)

[island45]

I am working on an older M12000 that came from a friend who had only used it a couple times. Somewhere around 12 years ago I mounted it just behind the cab of my '92 F350, but below the deck surface so I could still use the full bed for hauling beams for my business. The purpose of the winch was for my weekend hobby stuff, hauling dead vehicles onto my equipment trailer. I have an A frame with a sheave that plugs into the rear of the bed as a fairlead. Ok, my question is now I have the winch off the truck and just went through the motor, which had water intrusion and I reassembled and sealed it with gaskets both ends. I no longer need the winch mounted below the deck. It was miserable to install and remove and impossible to service. Problem is it had the line spooling off the top of the drum and stuff was all backwards. I will now mount it to spool off bottom with motor on right, gearbox on left but I need to rotate the spool/freespool lever 180 degrees and I will be in business. Can I just pull the allen cap screws, pull it away and re-clock the gearbox that 180 degrees. I watched the above video and I definately don't want to lose my balls like that guy did. I'm thinking as long as I don't remove that big snap ring I'll be ok, But...... Anything to look out for? I have only used it ten times or so and with easy rolling loads and don't really want to tear into the gearbox. Thanks in advance. Edit: We call my F350 'The Retreiver'. i992 7.3 IDI 5 spd man tran, 4wd, 123,000 miles I'm 4th owner, other 3 still here on the island and all have seller's remorse.

 

[gnob]

short answer is yes. these typically clock every other hole, if that makes sense.
the winch end cap has "gears" to grab the large outside gear.
you will be fine pulling it apart. i don't think the later m12s have those stupid little ball bearings.

 

[island45]

Burned some serious midnight oil, but after R and R the gearsets a few times and a good grease job with the clean grey grease that was in there looks like I can button it up first thing in the morning, All in all the entire gearbox looks to be in 'as new' condition. I had trouble ressembling but that video that was linked in the current M12000 thread was truly a lifesaver. Thanks for the great work gnob!

 

[island45]

Well today my youngest (30) of four kids came by and with my new 'above deck' winch mount finally operable, we spooled the cable back onto the drum. Thanks to all you posters herem the innards of this winch are no longer so mysterious. You may notice that I made new 3/4" solid steel rods to replace the standard hollow aluminum ones. I turned down a shoulder on each end before drilling and tapping them so the ends fit into the casting's recesses. Next I will build a sloping steel roof above the winch. Here in Western Washington we like to say that you can't have too many roofs. ( Apparently you CAN have too many pictures)

 

[aztoyman]

Gary, I always enjoy your posts and creativity here and on the Ford Barn. I appreciate that you always follow up with your solutions too.

I gotta ask about the cable going over the rod vs under it.

Scott in AZ.

 

[gnob]

Gary, I always enjoy your posts and creativity here and on the Ford Barn. I appreciate that you always follow up with your solutions too.

I gotta ask about the cable going over the rod vs under it.

Scott in AZ.

ya was going to mention the same thing.
afaik the two bars go to the rear and only the upper should be forward facing.

 

[island45]

Well, another first for Ol’ Gramps. I’m in Seattle visiting my two daughters and 5 grandkids. Never been on a forum by cellphone, but am now. As far as the bars go I thought I was missing one with only 3. I guess now I have a spare. The cable runs from the spool up to the sheave on the A frame which is visible in a couple of the photos. When I return home I will try running the cable below that 4th bar. If it clears I will most likelt keep it. Another option(better) is to make a rollerTo slide over the lower front bar. I could even drill and tap one of the bolts for a zerk!

 

[aztoyman]

Looks like you get to play with your lathe even more.

 

[island45]

And while we're on the subject of winches on brand x vehicles, here's my DD government burb with vinyl bench seat, roll up windows, 4wd, 3/4 ton and one of them winches you all like so much. I bought it set up like this about ten years ago. PO got it from a govt auction in Idaho. Oh and a front shot of the Retreiver

. I love these old warn bumpers and this one holds an 8000 lb ramsey.