I bought this WD-45 knowing that it had hand clutch issues. The bronze shift collar broke and the guy tried to farmer fix it with that bent round piece, but it didn't work and caused a bunch of wear on the fork arms and the throwout part that pushes on the clutch. I don't recommend trying something like this.

I was going to replace the bronze collar and the worn throwout part with a spare one I have, but then I got to looking at the clutch pack and it's down to a few shims left, plus the 3-disc spacer. The rear disk looks especially worn. What would you guys do - replace the rear disk or find a good used 3-disc clutch assembly?

I'm planning on semi-splitting with threaded rod in the rear end/frame rail holes it per the knowledge base thread on here. I'll be replacing the parts I mentioned above plus the hand clutch shaft seal, belt pulley seal, transmission gasket, and hand clutch handle bushing since they're pretty sloppy. Might have to replace the shaft that handle rides on if it's worn too. Anything else I should look at or replace while I'm in there?

wjohn, I've probably got most of those parts around here if you need anything. I'm sure Lon has a pretty good pile of them too.

I've been into two 45's to fix what you're working on, rather enjoyed it.

Thanks Mack. Sounds like I should probably wait to order anything until I have the tractor split apart and can take the clutch apart. If the other plates look rough I will source a good used clutch. I got to looking at it closer and 2 pins are missing in the little cam arms inside the clutch, too. I should probably track those down before they jam into the PTO drive gears, if they haven't already.

This is my second tractor that has had a pitted rear hand clutch cover. I think what happens is they sit for a very long time somewhere with moisture or a lot of condensation cycling inside there, and the rust seems to eat through that rear plate much faster than the other components in the torque housing. Also doesn't help that the oil had been drained.

Awesome Mike, thanks. I did already reach out to Lon. Not sure when I will get this tractor in the shop but hopefully sooner than later as I get more work done and the WD quits hogging so much shop floor! Sounds like I will wait to buy anything until I see what the rest of this clutch pack looks like.