Optional Replacement Parts
Walthers Replacement Drive Axle Gears pkg(6)
Walthers Part # 116-40005

Walthers Proto Geared Drive Assembly
Walthers Part # 920-584408
Replacement Geared Driver Assembly (Diesel Wheelset) pkg(2) -- For Early PROTO 2000(R) BL, FA, GP7/9/18/20/30/60 & PROTO 1000(TM) F3,RS2,RSC2

Walthers Proto Geared Drive Assembly
Walthers Part # 920-584494
Replacement Geared Driver Assembly (Diesel Wheelset) pkg(3) -- For Early PROTO 2000(R) E6/7/8/9

My Assembly Procedures
Each individual Proto 2000 drive axle consists of (5) components.

For the locomotive drive axles to operate correctly and very smoothly, I use a NMRA Standards Gage (HO Scale). To check for the correct wheel flange distance at the (2) notches marked "WHEELS".

Also for the locomotive drive axles to operate correctly and very smoothly, the square bronze bushings must spin freely. I use a feeler gage set. This will insure that all (4) required gaps on the drive axle will be all the same. I use a feeler gage set that has a round nut on it, so all the shims can be removed.
I use regular, none tapered shims. (26 shims = 0.0015" inch to 0.025" inch)

Since the (1) plastic drive gear is molded and the (2) square bronze bushings are casted, there will be different equal gap sizes for each individual drive axle.
This is the easiest procedure I presently use to have the (4) required equal gaps.
(#1)
I totally assemble (1) complete drive axle. Then I press it together, not allowing any open gaps.
(#2)
I always hold the plastic drive gear, while I slowly "only" adjust (1) wheel location. I use the NMRA gage to check for the required correct "WHEEL" distance.
(#3)
Where I "only" adjusted the (1) wheel location, I push the square bronze bushing up against the plastic drive gear. Using the feeler gage set, I measure this open gap, stacking shims together and record the measured value.
(#4)
For example I got a .062" inch total gap measurement at only (1) location. Require (x4) equal spaced gaps. I now take the (1) total .062" gap and divide it by (4). For (4) equally spaced gaps will require (4) .0155" shims. In this case the mid range is .016". I would use (4) different shims, .014", .015", .016", .017" = .062" in total.
(#5)
I now slightly pull out the opposite wheel so there are now (4) open gaps. I also found it very difficult to hold the (4) different shims at the same time.
Using plaster scene, I make a square block that holds the (4) different shims, roughly in the required locations. I place the (4) required shims into the (4) required gaps.
Then I press the complete drive axle assembly together, making sure that there are (4) open gaps from the shims.
(#6)
To insure that this locomotive drive axle will operate correctly and very smoothly, I use the NMRA gage to check each locomotive drive axle.