Rockwell Transmission

I had two Columbias with Rockwell tens in them. I prefer an Eaton for sure, but then again, beside those trucks I bought, I've only driven Eaton 13 speeds for the last decade. I wouldn't worry about it if you already plan to swap the 18.

 

I've driven the rockwell 10 and 13.

They float a little rough but it's not a big deal.

The 10 is great, that's the transmission I prefer, the thing is a rock crusher.

The 13 is a pos, once it warms up it's ok but the one I had wouldn't split when it was cold.

 

anyway, seems to me manuals dissapeare....

 

Dont forget to change the tranny juice in it. It takes about 4.5 gallons of synthetic transmission oil. Maybe 50 Weight? I can't remember right now. Check the magnet for metal.

I have a 10 speed Rockwell/ Meritor(now) It was used to pull overweight at the scrap yards and never had any issues. I have talked to other drivers who do say it is a little loud. LOL. Lke a box of bolts.

They are tough transmission. I want to rebuild mine over the winter and maybe pablo can chime in on kits for rebuilds.

 

it is an exact copy of the eaton, when eatons hi/lo countershaft patent ran out. good tranny, rebuilt a bunch of them, but between 94 and 97 they had a loose bearing fit problem, and I warranty campaigned a bunch of them between certain serial numbers. sorry but I'm retired from wrenching since 98 so I can't give you the serial Number spread. they will growl at idle when they get loose. pull the lower 8 bolt pto plate and push straight up and down on the counter shafts ( battery ground straps removed for safety please). the bearings actually have a slight preload when set. if they move up and down a lot they cud strip the teeth. GOOD LUCK

 

they have all tapered bearins on the counter shafts and must be adjusted on assembly. after a while the bearings will lossen in there bores and start spinning. this wears the thrust surface down on the adjustment shim and the bearings loose there preload and get sloppier with time. thats when they will start get'n growly at idle. oil change time is a good time to pull the 8 bolt pto plate down and check.

 

One thing to consider as I assume you are pulling your 9136 with this truck. When you swap trannys you are also more than likely going to have to swap PTO's or change the gearing.