Rear Steering Transaxle

I picked up this Peerless rear wheel steer transaxle. Looks stock with the exception of some super-tacky red grease internally and extensions on the steering lever and output shaft.




What should I do with it? What kind of build does this deserve? I have one idea, but it would require an identical axle. Anyone have another just like it that they want to sell?

do a 4x4 build, AYP frame, maybe an older craftsman, opposed twin

It doesn't need to be an identical axle, it just needs the same gearing ratio's. That looks like a standard gear pack.

I would suggest a 4x4, but i want to heard what you got in mind B440.

I actually pulled it off this LTX1000 that someone else was trying to make a 4x4 with. The lift modification was horrible. The steering was backwards (turn left, you go right) and none of the pulleys were in place. But it has a running B&S 21.5hp V-twinza


I don't really like the turning radius with the axle. It would be like trying to swing a bus through the trails. Now maybe if I had two axles, with steering like a monster truck....

Find a twin transaxle for it and make the first 4x4 4WS.

geez id like the hole mower. i really done like lifted mowers as a functional factor but that lift is terrible. lol.

Certainly the po had good intentions, and it was a great mower to start with. I have been eyeballing a stock LTX1000 on cl for awhile; V-twin with a 5-speed, but a little high on the price to even bother with. I know it won't sell because mowing a lawn with a hydro is 100 times easier, and there's plenty of those in the same price range.

At some point I'll try to take the lift off the frame, but most of it is welded on. Lately I've been trying to get my friends' mowers operational. Spring is here; warmer, rainy weather. I want to plan a Mud Jam party, but it's not really a party if I'm the only one riding  

I picked this up yesterday;


Drove 4 hours round trip, but I think it was worth it. I think this is an identical transaxle as the one I posted above.


I'm not sure if the engine is any good yet. Maybe for parts only.


I had a good laugh when I lifted the seat. Although, I bet those fuses are not cheap.


So it looks like I may build a 4x4x4 lawn tractor after all. Just have to tear down this machine to see what I'm working with.

Man I'm jelly. 4x4x4 as in was in the front, normal transaxle in the middle, and one rear? That would be pure badassery

lol, well yeah a 6x6 with four wheel steering had crossed my mind. But 4x4x4 comes from the original Bigfoot monster truck and simply means four wheel drive and four wheel steering.

B440 wrote:

lol, well yeah a 6x6 with four wheel steering had crossed my mind. But 4x4x4 comes from the original Bigfoot monster truck and simply means four wheel drive and four wheel steering.

Ohhh, i get you. Well, what are you waiting for! lets see some build pics!   

Id poop myself if you pulled it off right.

x2 on doug.. dont seem too simple. good luck though

You know, if those outer axles were a bit further out, and were not articulated, that just might be a great way to extend your axles without beating up the peerless!

Hmmmmm

Seems there is an undercurrent of people want to do a 4wd-4ws tractor, me included.

Those transaxles are the EXACT ones I would want to use too, but it seems they are $%#@ hard to find.

Is there a part numb r on those? Are you %100+ sure they are from Peerless? What make model tractor did they come off of?

My first mower is nearly done, and predictably I am already thinking about the next one; which I want to be 4wd-4ws.

Thanks in advance.

they seem pretty hard to come by unless you know someone who knows someone Id suggest just building a 4wd unit just turn the axle sideways and figure out a axle/diff setup

noma tractors are the most common, but a few others do, too

I found a craftsman with one, but donated it toward's a friends build that never happened...

RCTankboy wrote:

Seems there is an undercurrent of people want to do a 4wd-4ws tractor, me included.

Those transaxles are the EXACT ones I would want to use too, but it seems they are $%#@ hard to find.

Is there a part numb r on those? Are you %100+ sure they are from Peerless? What make model tractor did they come off of?

My first mower is nearly done, and predictably I am already thinking about the next one; which I want to be 4wd-4ws.

Thanks in advance.

Yes they are hard to find. The steering parts were not made by the transaxle manufacturer. I emailed Peerless and asked.

One of the transaxles I have is so rusty, that nothing turns. It's really slowing down my progress. Most of the bushings have no grease fittings and they will only come apart by pressing another part out, which is usually some type of expanded pin. Got it soaking in PB Blaster at the moment.

I've seen a parts diagram of the was axles, and one knuckle assembly being like $370, not even sure if its in stock. I'd be surprised if there isn't a casting mark on the knuckles if it was manufactured by a different company.

I have been debating making a parts kit to turn a tranny into a straight axle steer but I dunno if the demand would be there for a 500-750$ kit

B440 wrote:

Yes they are hard to find. The steering parts were not made by the transaxle manufacturer. I emailed Peerless and asked.

That would explain what Im seeing then in my research. So now I guess I need to contact NOMA and see where they get those assemblies from.

The lack of lubrication options your describing worries me for the build I have in mind.

Thanks B440.

@RedlineMotorsports: Youre right, demand has to be there regardless of price, and then price factors into that big time. From what I've seen, many of the peerless\spicers look to be so similiar in the way the housings are designed; that a "4wd\4ws" kit thats well thought out would fit a lot of tractors\transaxles.

Flip side, like you said, is the cost. This strikes me as a low dollar hobby, and that's almost certainly a big dollar item.