Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere STX38 Transmission, john deere stx38, small block chevy

Question
Just bought the mower and 3rd gear seems to have a "slow down and go" pulling action. Every couple of yards it slows then catches back up with itself. All other gears work with steady pulling. Thanks so much.

Answer
OK here is EXACTLY what you need to do based on your skill level.

Level 1.
You really can turn a wrench, You can do your own brakes and shocks. In the day, you could do a water pump on a small block Chevy.

Level 2.
I can do disc brakes, but don't have a clue about drums.
I know what a small block Chevy is and saw my dad do a water pump once.

Level 3.
Where's my water pump? Can assemble a Bar-B-Que in a day.

Ok only you know your level.

Level 1.
Remember you are going to do EXACTLY like I say.
You have rounded shift keys in your transmission. Shift keys are what engages into the the different gears. It doesn't matter. You need shift keys!!!!

Go to your dealer and ask for 4 shift keys.  He's going to ask for your serial number.  Give it to him but tell him you don't care what the breakdown says!! I want 4 shift keys!! (FYI... early model STX tractors had 2 keys but room for 4. It was a budget thing.) You want 4.

Go home and pull apart the Trans. Do this after you buy the shift keys.  Remember, you need shift keys!
Flop the tranny up on your bench and pull the pulley of the top. Now remove all the case bolts and pry the case apart. Don't worry, nothing will fall out. Now, look for the shift keys. When you find them, it will be easy, pull out that shaft and replace them. Then put the tranny back together. It will be easier then drum brakes.
Don't clean all that crappy grease out of the Trans. It will be messy (this is the only job I wear rubber gloves for) The grease looked like that when it was new and really will be ok. Some things to pay attention to. The bronze bushings on all the shafts have a flat spot. That flat spot has to lie in the space in the case (it will be obvious). Also on top there is an Allen head screw that has to come out FIRST under it is a spring and a ball bearing pull them out with a magnet.

Level 2.
Pull the transaxle out and take it to your dealer and tell him you want "4" shift keys in this Trans.

Level 3
Call the dealer. It will cost about 275.00 it will be worth it.