Patent Publication Number: US-8985355-B2

Title: Railcar draft gear assembly and related method for assembling a railcar draft gear

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE 
     This invention disclosure generally relates to a railcar draft gear assembly and, more specifically, to a railcar draft gear assembly utilizing a spring assembly comprised of a stack of elastomeric pads and an elongated guide rod for maintaining the stacked pads in general alignment relative to each other and relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly whereby optimizing spring performance. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A railroad freight car draft gear assembly has been used for years at opposite ends of a railcar to absorb and cushion impact forces directed against and to the railcar. Most railcar draft gear assemblies include a housing having an inner tapered bore at an open end, an elongated spring arranged within the housing, and a friction clutch assembly including a series of friction members along with a wedge or actuator arranged in the tapered bore of the housing and movable against the spring upon compression of the draft gear assembly. The wedge is arranged in operable combination with the friction members such that impact blows directed against the wedge are transferred axially to the spring and radially to the housing. A spring seat can be arranged between an end portion of each friction member and the spring. 
     Recently, elastomeric materials have been used and accepted as replacements for steel springs. One elastomeric spring assembly offering beneficial results is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,844 to R. A. Carlstedt and includes multiple elastomeric spring units stacked in axial relation relative to each other. Each spring unit of the spring assembly includes an elastomer pad sandwiched between two metal plates. The metal plates are bonded or otherwise secured to opposed faces of the elastomer pad. Amongst other advantages, the metal plates serve to limit snaking and/or buckling problems while furthermore serving to center the elastomeric spring assembly relative to the draft gear housing. Such a spring assembly has been successfully used for years in combination with railcar draft gears. 
     In one form, the draft gear housing is provided with an elongated opening between a closed end and an open end of the housing and extending along a sidewall of the draft gear housing to allow the spring units to be inserted in a direction generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly and stacked relative to each other within the draft gear housing. Maintaining the spring units in alignment relative to each other and generally centered relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly is an important consideration when designing a railcar draft gear assembly. Moreover, maintaining the elongated spring assembly in relatively centered relationship relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear is also important to overall performance of the draft gear assembly. 
     The draft gear assembly is arranged within a pocket in the railcar and extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar. Accordingly, when the railcar travels through a curve, the railcar tends to impart unequal forces to the draft gear assembly. Such unequal forces applied to the draft gear assembly are also frequently transferred to the elongated spring assembly tending for the individual spring units to become misaligned relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear. As mentioned, displacement of the individual spring units relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal center of the draft gear assembly can result in undesirable overall performance of the railcar draft gear assembly. 
     Railcar manufacturers and suppliers for supplying such railcar manufacturers are continually seeking methods and ways of reducing the manufacturing costs of railcars and the components used to build such railcars without having to sacrifice performance and quality. When considering costs savings in connection with a draft gear assembly, however, the available options are few. First, the size of the draft gear housing cannot be changed without adversely affecting the relationship of the fixed size pocket in a railcar centersill wherein the draft gear assembly is accommodated. Second, and with the size of the draft gear assembly being standardized or fixed, the amount of steel used to form the draft gear housing has already been minimized as with openings and voids wherever possible. Exacerbating these design challenges is the fact that speeds of railcars are steadily increasing, thus, adding to the impact loads imparted to the draft gear assembly during railcar operation. As such, the size of the spring assembly used to absorb, dissipate and return energy imparted thereto during railcar operations cannot be reduced without adversely affecting performance and operation of the draft gear assembly. 
     Thus, there remains a continuing need and desire to provide a railcar draft gear assembly which is economically designed to have high shock absorbing capacities while offering enhanced performance by maintaining the spring units of the elongated spring assembly in aligned relation relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect there is provided a railcar draft gear assembly having a longitudinal axis and including a housing having a closed end, an open end; and wall structure extending between the ends, with the housing wall structure defining a spring chamber and an opening in a side thereof. A friction clutch assembly is arranged in operable combination with the open end of the housing and includes a wedge member. A spring seat is guided for reciprocal movements within the spring chamber in response to forces being exerted upon the draft gear assembly. The spring seat has a generally centralized bore which opens to opposed surfaces thereof. An elongated spring is operably disposed within and between the closed end of the housing and the clutch assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning energy imparted to the draft gear assembly. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads which are inserted into the spring chamber through the opening in the side of the housing in a direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. Each elastomeric pad has a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces of the pad. An elongated guide rod, having an axis arranged generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the draft gear, is insertable endwise through the spring seat and pads after the spring seat and pads are inserted into the spring chamber for maintaining general alignment of the pads relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. Structure, arranged within the housing, is provided for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly. 
     In one form, the friction clutch assembly further includes a series of friction members arranged in equally spaced relation relative to each other and in operable combination with the wedge member. Preferably, the open end of the housing defines a series of inner angled longitudinally extended surfaces extending from the open end of the housing, with each inner angled surface on the housing combining with an outer angled surface on each friction member to define an angled surface therebetween. 
     In one embodiment, the structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly includes interlocking instrumentalities provided on the elongated guide rod and the housing. In another form, the structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod includes a latching mechanism selectively operable between locked and unlocked conditions in response to rotation of the elongated guide rod about the axis thereof. In one form, such a latching mechanism includes a latch secured toward a first end of and rotatable with the elongated guide rod, and a keeper carried by the housing and selectively arranged in operable combination with the latch. 
     In this later embodiment, the guide rod is configured toward a second end to facilitate rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof. Moreover, the structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly further includes an apparatus arranged toward the second end of the elongated guide rod for inhibiting inadvertent rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof whereby maintaining the latch and keeper in position relative to each other to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod after the guide rod is inserted through the pads. 
     In another form, the latching mechanism includes a latch toward a first end of and rotatable with the guide rod, and a keeper provided on a plate disposed between the closed end of the housing and the elastomeric pad of the spring disposed closest to the closed end of the housing. In this embodiment, the guide rod is configured toward a second end to facilitate rotation of guide rod about the axis thereof. The structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly can furthermore include an apparatus arranged toward the second end of the elongated guide rod for inhabiting inadvertent rotation of the guide rod about its axis whereby maintaining the latch and keeping in position relative to each other to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod after it is inserted through the pads. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a railcar draft gear assembly having a longitudinal axis and includes an axially elongated metal housing having a closed end, an open end; and wall structure extending between the ends, with the wall structure defining a spring chamber and an opening in a side thereof: A friction clutch assembly, including an actuator extending at least partially beyond the open end of the housing and a series of equi-distantly spaced friction members, is arranged in operable combination with and between the actuator and the open end of the housing. A spring seat is disposed in the housing for guided reciprocatory movements and extends generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The spring seat has a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces thereof. An elongated spring is operably disposed within and between the closed end of the housing and the spring seat for absorbing, dissipating and returning energy imparted to the draft gear assembly. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads which are inserted into the chamber through the opening in the side of the housing in a direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. Each elastomeric pad has a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces of the pad. An elongated guide rod is insertable endwise through the spring seat and pads after they are inserted into and arranged in stacked relationship in the spring chamber. Structure, arranged within the housing, is provided for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly. 
     Preferably, the friction members of the friction clutch assembly are arranged in equally spaced relation relative to each other. In one embodiment, the open end of the housing defines a series of inner angled longitudinally extended surfaces extending from the open end of the housing, with one inner angled surface on the housing combining with an outer angled surface on each friction member to define an angled surface therebetween. 
     In a preferred form, the structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly includes interlocking instrumentalities provided on the elongated guide rod and the housing. In one form, such interlocking instrumentalities includes a latching mechanism selectively operable between locked and unlocked conditions in response to rotation of the elongated guide rod about the axis thereof. In one form, such a latching mechanism includes a latch secured toward a first end of and rotatable with the elongated guide rod, and a keeper carried by the housing and selectively arranged in operable combination with the latch. In this later embodiment, the guide rod is preferably configured toward a second end to facilitate rotation of guide rod about the axis thereof. 
     Preferably, the structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly further includes an apparatus arranged toward the second end of the guide rod for inhibiting inadvertent rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof. As such, the latch and keeper are releasably maintained in position relative to each other to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod after the guide rod is inserted through the pads. 
     Alternatively, the latching mechanism includes a latch secured toward a first end of and rotatable with the elongated guide rod. In this embodiment, a keeper is provided on a plate disposed between the closed end of the housing and the elastomeric pad of the spring disposed closest to the closed end of the housing. In this later embodiment, the guide rod is configured toward a second end to facilitate rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof. The structure for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly further includes an apparatus arranged toward the second end of the elongated guide rod for inhibiting inadvertent rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof whereby releasably maintaining the latch and keeper in position relative to each other to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod after the guide rod is inserted through the pads. 
     According to another aspect there is provided a method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly having a longitudinal axis and including a housing with a closed end, an open end, and wall structure extending between the closed and open ends so as to define a chamber, with the housing wall structure defining an opening having a closed margin in the side of the housing. The method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly includes the steps of: inserting a spring seat through the housing opening and into the chamber in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly, with the spring seat defining a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces thereof. Next, the spring seat is held in a releasably raised position relative to the opening defined by the housing. Then, a series of elastomeric pads are inserted into the chamber in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly such that the pads are stacked one upon the other to define a spring between the closed end of the housing and the spring seat, with each pad having a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces of the pad. The spring seat is then released from its raised position relative to the opening defined by the housing. The spring is compressed. An elongated guide rod is passed through the centralized bore in the spring seat and though the generally centralized bore in each of the pads so as to maintain general alignment of the pads relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The guide rod has an elongated axis. Compression of the spring is released so as to allow the spring to push the spring seat upwardly against the housing. The end of the guide rod is secured within the housing and in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly so as to maintain general alignment of the pads relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly while inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod relative to the housing during operation of the draft gear assembly. Then, a friction clutch assembly is pressed into operable combination with the open end of the housing until an actuator of the friction clutch assembly is captured by the housing. 
     Preferably, the method further involves the step of: aligning the pads inserted into the chamber relative to each other before compressing the spring. 
     After the spring seat is initially released, the step of compressing the spring preferably involves the further steps of: a) initially compressing a first set of elastomeric pads within the housing; b) holding the first set of elastomeric pads axially compressed within the housing to allow at least one additional elastomeric pad to be stacked upon the first set of elastomeric pads; c) again raising the spring seat to a position relative to the opening in the side of the housing whereby allowing at least one additional elastomeric pad to be inserted into the spring chamber in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly and in generally axially aligned and stacked relationship with the first set of pads, with the one additional elastomeric pad having a generally centralized bore opening to opposed surfaces thereof; d) releasing the spring seat from its raised position relative to the opening defined by the housing; and, then, e) compressing all the pads in the chamber. 
     According to one method of assembling-a railcar draft gear assembly the step of: holding the set of elastomeric pads in an axially compressed state within the housing involves using a plurality of bars in operable combination with the uppermost elastomeric pad in the set of pads arranged in the housing. After compressing all the pads in the chamber, the plurality of bars extending arranged in operable combination with the uppermost elastomeric pad in the set of pads are removed. 
     In one form, the step of: securing a first end of the guide rod within the housing and in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly preferably involves rotating the guide rod to interengage cooperating instrumentalities on a latching mechanism arranged within the housing. According to this aspect, the method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly further involves the step of: inhibiting rotation of the guide rod during operation of the draft gear assembly. Preferably, an end section of the guide rod is configured to facilitate rotation of the guide rod about the axis thereof. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of one form of railcar draft gear embodying principals and teachings of the present invention disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view of the draft gear illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view of one end of the draft gear illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an elastomeric spring unit or pad forming part of a spring; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational view, partly in section, of the spring unit illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in phantom lines in  FIG. 3  and showing one form of latching mechanism used in combination with this invention disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary top plan sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan sectional view taken along lin  9 - 9  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  but showing a different form of latching mechanism; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in phantom lines in  FIG. 10  and showing another form of latching mechanism used in combination with this invention disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  but showing a different form of latching mechanism; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in phantom lines in  FIG. 13  and showing still another form of latching mechanism used in combination with this invention disclosure; and 
         FIG. 16  is a view depicting a step in the process of assembling a draft gear assembly according to this invention disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in multiple forms, there are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described preferred embodiments, with the understanding the present disclosure sets forth exemplifications of the disclosure which are not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a railcar draft gear assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral  10 , adapted to be carried within a yoke  12  arranged in operable combination with a centersill (not shown) of a railcar  14 . Assembly  10  includes an axially elongated hollow and metallic housing  16  defining a longitudinal axis  18  for the draft gear assembly  10 . Housing  16  has a first or closed end  20  having a rear or end wall  22  ( FIG. 3 ) and is open toward an axially aligned second or open end  24 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the open end  24  of housing  16  is configured smaller than the closed end  20 . As such, and toward the open end  24 , housing  16  defines an inwardly directed shoulder or transitional step  29 . 
     Housing  16  also includes wall structure  25 . In the embodiment shown for exemplary purposes in  FIG. 2 , housing wall structure  25  includes two pairs of joined and generally parallel walls  26 ,  26 ′ and  28 ,  28 ′, extending from the closed end  22  toward the open end  24  ( FIG. 1 ), and defines a spring chamber  30  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the walls  26 ,  26 ′ and  28 ,  28 ′ provide chamber  30  with a generally rectangular or box-like cross-sectional configuration for a major lengthwise portion thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the draft gear housing  16  has a friction bore  32  which opens to spring chamber  30  and to end  24  of the draft gear housing  16 . Moreover, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , the internal friction bore  32  is provided with a plurality (with only one being shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of equi-angularly spaced and longitudinally extended tapered inner angled friction surfaces  36 . The inner angled friction surfaces  36  on housing  16  converge toward the longitudinal axis  18  and toward the closed end  20  of the draft gear housing  16 . Preferably, housing  16  is provided with three equally spaced, longitudinally extended and angled inner angled friction surfaces  36  but more angled surfaces could be provided without detracting or departing from the spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , and toward the open end  24  of housing  16 , draft gear assembly  10  is provided with a friction clutch assembly  40  for absorbing draft forces or impacts axially directed against the draft gear  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the friction clutch assembly  40  includes a plurality of friction members or shoes  42  arranged about axis  18  and in operable combination with the tapered inner angled friction surfaces  36  at the open end of the draft gear housing  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the friction clutch assembly  40  includes three equi-angularly spaced friction members  42  but more friction members could be provided without detracting or departing from the spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the number of friction members  42  forming part of the friction clutch assembly  40  are equal in number to the number of tapered inner angled friction surfaces  36  on housing  16 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , each friction member  42  has longitudinally spaced first and second ends  44  and  46 , respectively. Moreover, each friction member  42  has an outer or external angled sliding surface  48 . When the draft gear  10  is assembled, each inner angled friction surface  36  on housing  16  combines with each outer angled sliding surface  48  on each friction member to define a first angled friction sliding surface  49  therebetween. The first friction sliding surface  49  is disposed at an angle ( FIG. 4 ) relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft ger assembly  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the friction clutch assembly  40  further includes a wedge or actuator  50  arranged for axial movement relative to the open end  24  of housing  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , an outer end  52  of the wedge  50  preferably has a generally flat face that extends beyond the open end  24  of housing  16  and is adapted to bear on the usual follower (not shown) of a railway draft rigging such that draft or impact forces can be axially applied to the draft gear assembly  10  during operation of the railcar  14 . As known, wedge  50  is arranged in operable combination with and is generally centered relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of draft gear assembly  10  by the friction members  42 . 
     Turning again to  FIG. 4 , wedge  50  defines a plurality of substantially identical outer slanted or angled friction surfaces  57  arranged in operable combination with the friction members  42  of clutch assembly  40 . Only one friction surface  57  is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . It will be appreciated, however, the number of friction surfaces  57  on wedge member  50  preferably equals the number of fiction members  42  forming part of the clutch assembly  40 . Of course, alternative designs are equally applicable without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure. When the draft gear  10  is assembled, each friction surface  57  on wedge  50  combines with an angled sliding surface  47  on each friction member  42  to define a second angled friction sliding surface  59  therebetween. The friction sliding surface  59  is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of draft gear  10 . 
     Wedge  50  is formed from any suitable metallic material. In a preferred form, wedge member  50  is formed from an austempered ductile iron material. Moreover, and as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the wedge member or actuator  50  defines a generally centralized longitudinally extending bore  54  which, in a preferred embodiment, opens to opposed ends of wedge  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , at its open end  24 , housing  16  is provided with a series of radially inturned stop lugs  38  which are equi-angularly spaced circumferentially relative to each other. As well known, and toward a rear or inner end thereof, wedge  50  includes a series of radially outwardly projecting lugs  58  which are equi-angularly disposed relative to each other and extend between adjacent friction members  42  so as to operably engage in back of the lugs  38  on housing  16  to retain the friction members  42  and wedge  50  in assembled relation relative to the housing  16  and under the influence of a spring, generally identified by reference numeral  60 . 
     Spring  60  has an axially elongated configuration and is generally centered within spring chamber  30  of the draft gear housing  16 . Spring  60  forms a resilient column for storing dissipating and returning energy imparted or applied to the free end  52  of wedge  50  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . As mentioned, spring  60  is precompressed during assembly of the draft gear assembly  10  and serves to maintain the components of the friction clutch assembly  40 , including friction members  42  and wedge  50 , in operable combination relative to each other and within the draft gear housing  16 . In one embodiment, spring  60  develops about a 10,000 pound preload force for the draft gear assembly  10  and, in combination with the friction clutch assembly  40 . is capable of absorbing, dissipating and returning impacts or energy directed axially thereto in the range of between 450,000 lbs. and about 700,000 lbs. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , spring  60  has a first end  61  which engages with the rear wall  22  at the closed end  20  of the draft gear housing  16  and a second end  63  arranged in axially spaced relation from the first end  61 . In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , spring  60  is comprised of a multi-tired structure including a plurality of individual elastomeric pads or springs  62  arranged in axially stacked relationship relative to each other. 
     Each elastomeric pad preferably has a generally rectangular shape ( FIG. 5 ), in plan, so as to optimize the rectangular area of the chamber  30  ( FIG. 3 ) wherein spring  60  is centered and arranged for axial endwise movements in response to loads or impacts being exerted axially against assembly  10 . Preferably, each pad  62  has a Shore D hardness ranging between about 40 and about 60. In the form shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , each pad  62  has first and second generally flat and generally parallel surfaces  64  and  66 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the faces  64  and  66  of any two axially adjacent pads  62  are arranged in direct contacting relation relative to each other. Each pad  62  furthermore defines a generally centralized bore  68  which opens at opposed ends to the surfaces  64  and  66 . Preferably, the elastomeric pads  62  are configured such that their radial expansion, resulting from compressive loads being placed on surfaces  64 ,  66 , is limited whereby preventing each pad  62  from squeezing outwardly as to significantly damage or have the operating performance of each pad  64  significantly affected. 
     The pads  62  can be formed from any of a myriad of thermoplastic materials. Preferably, each pad  62  is formed from a copolyesther polymer elastomer of the type manufactured and sold by the DuPont Company under the tradename HYTREL™or equivalent materials. The elastomer used to form each pad  62  has inherent physical properties making it unsuitable for use as a spring. Applicants&#39; assignee has advantageously discovered it is possible to impart spring-like characteristics to such elastomeric materials. Co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,037 to D. G. Anderson patent better describes the above noted polymer material and forming process. The applicable portions of U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,037 are incorporated herein by reference. Suffice it to say, each pad  62  is preferably formed from the above-described thermoplastic material and has a plastic strain to elastic strain ratio greater than 1.5 to 1. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , a relatively large rectangular opening  70  is preferably formed in wall  26  of the draft gear housing  16  between the closed end  20  and the inwardly directed step  29  on housing  16  ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, the opening  70  is disposed closer to the step  29  than to the closed end of the  20  of the housing  16 . Opening  70  is sized such that one or more elastomeric pads  62  can be inserted through the opening  70  and into chamber  30  in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10 . 
     Assembly  10  furthermore includes a spring seat or follower  80  arranged within the draft gear housing  16  and operably disposed between the second spring end  63  and a lower end  44  of each friction member or shoe  42  of the clutch assembly  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and when the spring seat  80  is operably arranged within the spring chamber  30  of the draft gear housing  16 , the spring seat  80  extends generally normal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear  10 . Notably, opening  70  in housing  16  is sized and configured to allow the spring seat  80  to be inserted therethrough and into chamber  30  in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , and after being inserted into housing chamber  30  and into operable combination with spring  60 , a portion of spring seat  80  is disposed beneath the transitional step  29  defined by housing  16 . In operation, the spring seat  80  engages with and slidably supports each friction shoe or member  42 . Preferably, spring seat  80  has a generally planar spring engaging or contacting surface  82  which, when the spring seat  80  is arranged in operable relation with the draft gear assembly  10 , is arranged in contiguous or contacting relation relative to the second end  63  of spring  60 . Notably, housing  16  of assembly  10  and the spring seat  80  are so configured such that when the spring seat  80  engages with the transitional step  29  defined by housing  16 , the spring engaging or contacting surface  82  is disposed near or above an upper marginal edge  71  defining opening  70  in the housing  16 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the spring engaging surface  82  of the spring seat  80  has a generally rectangular marginal configuration, in plan, which proximates the inner surface configuration of chamber  30 . As such, the spring seat  80  is maintained in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  and is guided for reciprocatory movements by the interior surfaces of housing  16  in response to axial loads being placed upon assembly  10 . 
     In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and on that side opposite from surface  82 , spring seat  80  has a surface  82 ′ at least a portion of which, when the spring seat  80  is arranged in operable relation with the draft gear assembly  10  ( FIG. 4 ), extends generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  so as to engage with the transitional step  29  defined by housing  16  and thereby limit upward movement of the spring seat  80  under the influence of spring  60  during operation of assembly  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, seat  80  also includes a generally centrally disposed upstanding projection  84  which, when seat  80  is arranged in operable combination with assembly  10 , at least partially extends into the friction bore  32  of draft gear housing  16  ( FIG. 4 ). Preferably, an upper face or surface  85  of the projection  84  is generally planar and extends generally parallel to the spring engaging or contacting surface  82 . In the illustrated embodiment, spring seat  80  furthermore defines a generally centralized bore  86  which opens to both surfaces  82  and  85  and is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis  18  after seat  80  is arranged in operable combination with assembly  10 . 
     Spring seat  80  is formed from any suitable metallic material. In a preferred form, spring seat  80  is formed from an austempered ductile iron material. During the operation of the draft gear assembly  10 , and besides moving vertically within the friction bore  32  of the draft gear housing  16 , the friction shoes or members  42  likewise move radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear  10 . Forming spring seat  80  preferably from the austempered ductile iron adds lubricity of the contacting surface engagement between the friction members or shoes  42  and the surface  82  of the spring seat  80 . 
     Assembly  10  furthermore includes an axially elongated guide rod  90  having a longitudinal axis  92  arranged generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis  18  of draft gear assembly  10 . Guide rod  90  preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration of a predetermined diameter for the majority of its length along with a first or lower end  94  and a second or upper end  96  arranged in general axial alignment relative to each other. Moreover, the guide rod  90  has a length defined between the ends  94 ,  96  which is preferably greater than the distance between the closed end  20  of the draft gear housing  16  and the upper surface  85  on spring seat  80 . The guide rod  90  is insertable through and guided by the marginal edge of the bore  86  in the spring seat  80  and passes through the bore  68  in each spring pad  62  after the spring seat  80  and pads  62  of spring  60  are inserted into chamber  30 . The guide rod  90  functions to maintain general alignment of the spring pads  62  relative to each other and relative to axis  18  thereby optimizing performance of the spring  60  during operation of draft gear assembly  12 . 
     After being inserted through the bore  86  in the spring seat  80  and through the bore  68  in each of the spring pads  62 , the guide rod  90  is releasably secured relative to axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10  by structure, generally indicated in  FIG. 3  by reference numeral  100 . Structure  100  is configured to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . Besides securing or inhibiting endwise displacement of guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 , in a preferred embodiment, structure  100  conjointly facilitates alignment of the guide rod  90  and thereby the pads  62  of the spring  60  through which it passes relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10 . Applicant recognizes and appreciates structure  100  can take different configurations and forms while serving to accomplish these desired ends. 
     Structure  100  includes interlocking instrumentalities, generally identified by numeral  102 , for releasably holding the guide rod  90  in place while conjointly facilitating positioning of the guide rod  90  and thereby the pads  62  of spring  60  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10 . In one form, illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 7 , the interlocking instrumentalities  102  include a latching mechanism, generally identified by numeral  104 , which is selectively operable between locked and unlocked conditions in response to rotation of the guide rod  90  about axis  92 . Preferably, mechanism  104  includes a keeper, generally identified by reference numeral  110 , arranged in operable combination with the draft gear housing  18 . and a latch, generally identified by numeral  130 , provided on the elongated guide rod  90 . 
     In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIG. 7 , keeper  110  of mechanism  104  is provided on a metal plate  112  having generally parallel bottom and top surfaces  114  and  116 , respectively, and an outer edge  118  ( FIG. 3 ) configured to affect centering of plate  112  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the plate  112  forming part of the latching mechanism  104  is captured between the closed end  20  of housing  16  and the elastomeric pad  62  disposed closest to the closed end  20  of housing  16 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , plate  112  has a generally centralized boss  120  extending from the top surface  116  of plate  112  and inwardly toward the pad  62  disposed closest to the closed end  20  of housing  16  to define a void or cavity  122  between the lower surface  114 ′ on the boss  120  and an interior surface at the closed end  20  of the housing  16 . The boss  120  terminates in an inturned flange portion  124  defining an opening  126  which is generally centralized on plate  112  and opens to the void or cavity  122 . The flange portion on plate  112  operably acts as the keeper  110  for latching mechanism  104 . In the form shown by way of example in  FIG. 8 , the opening  126  defined by plate  112  has two generally parallel sides or surfaces  127  and  127 ′ equally distanced from the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10  and are separated from each other by a distance less than the predetermined diameter of the guide rod  90  ( FIG. 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal edge of the opening  126  defined by plate  112  is longer in a first direction than in a second direction extending generally normal to the first direction. 
     In this form or embodiment, the lower end  94  of the guide rod  90  is provided with the latch  130  which coacts with the keeper  110  of mechanism  104  so as to position the guide rod  90  relative to the longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly  10  while inhibiting axial or endwise displacement of the guide rod  80  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . In this latching mechanism embodiment, latch  130  rotates and moves with the guide rod  90 . 
     In the form shown in  FIG. 7 , the lower end  94  of guide rod  90  is provided with a head portion  97  which forms part of latch  130 . Head portion  97  has a cross-sectional configuration which closely resembles the marginal edge of the opening  126  defined by the boss  120  of plate  112  and includes two radial projections or lobes  99 ,  99 ′, preferably formed integral with guide rod  90  and disposed in diametrically opposed relation relative to each other and to opposed sides of the longitudinal axis  92  of rod  90 . After the guide rod  90  is passed through the generally centralized bore  86  in the spring seat  80  and the bore  68  in each pad  62  of spring  60  ( FIG. 3 ), and with the guide rod  90  in a predetermined rotational position, the head portion  97  is permitted to pass through the opening  126  defined by plate  112  such that the lobes  99 ,  99 ′ are rotatably accommodated within cavity  122  and beneath the lower surface  114 ′ on the boss  120 . 
     Between each lobe  99 ,  99 ′ on the head portion  97  and the remaining length thereof, guide rod  90  is provided with a open-sided recessed channel or groove  98  having an axial width generally equal to or only slightly larger than the distance between the bottom surface  114 ′ and a top surface  116 ′ on the keeper  110  of mechanism  104 . The groove or channel  98  provides the guide rod  90  with a pair of opposed or confronting surfaces or radial shoulders  98 ′ and  98 ″. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the guide rod  90  is fully inserted into operable combination with the draft gear assembly  10 , and the latching mechanism  104  is in an unlocked locked condition, the projections or lobes  99 , 99 ′ are disposed in generally parallel relation relative to the longer axis of the opening  126 . To condition the latching mechanism  104  in a locked condition, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the guide rod  90  is rotated. in a first direction, about  90  degrees such that projections or lobes  99 , 99 ′ are arranged in generally normal relation relative to the longer axis of the opening  126  and into the dash line position shown in  FIG. 8 , such that the lobes  99 ,  99 ′ on guide rod  90  are disposed below and operably captured by the keeper  110 . As such, the guide rod  90  is inhibited from axial displacement during operation of the assembly  10 . 
     To allow the guide rod  90  to be removed, for whatever reason, from its operable association with housing  16 , spring  60  and spring seat  80 , the latching mechanism  104  is simply and readily moved to an unlocked condition. With the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and to accomplish conditioning the latching mechanism  104  in an unlocked condition, the guide rod  90  is simply rotated about  90  degrees, in a second direction opposed to the first direction, and about axis  92  from the locked condition or position shown in dash lines in  FIG. 8 , until the keeper  110  and latch  130  are no longer in operable engagement with each other whereby allowing guide rod  90  to be endwise or axially removed from effecting alignment of the pads  62  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  whereby allowing the pads  62  to be removed from chamber  30  through opening  70 . through the opening. In this regard, and returning to  FIG. 2 , wall  26 ′ of housing  18  is preferably provided with an opening  71  disposed opposite from opening  70  to allow the pads  62  to be pushed or otherwise forcibly moved through the opening  70 . More specifically, and in the above described embodiment, rotating the guide rod  90  simultaneously causes rotation of the lobes or projections  99 ,  99  from beneath the lower surface  114 ′ on the keeper  110  whereby allowing the guide rod  90  to be endwise or axially removed from housing  16 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , the structure  100  for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10  furthermore includes an apparatus, generally identified by reference numeral  140 , arranged toward the upper or second end  96  of the guide rod  90 . The purpose of apparatus  140  is to inhibit inadvertent rotation of the guide rod  90  about the axis  92  thereof during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . As will be understood, by inhibiting rotation of the guide rod  90  about axis  90 , the keeper  110  and latch  130  of latching mechanism  104  can be maintained in their locked condition relative to each other during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . 
     In the form shown by way of example in FIGS,  3  and  9 , apparatus  140  includes a plate  142  disposed between face or end  85  on spring seat  80  and the friction members  42 . Preferably, plate  142  is supported by the face or end  85  on the seat projection  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, plate  142  is designed and configured to operably fit between but not operationally interfere with the friction members  42  and/or seat  80 . Because it operably fits between the friction members  42 , plate  142  is inhibited from rotating during operation of assembly  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , plate  142  defines a throughbore  144  which is arranged in axial alignment with longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  when plate  142  is arranged in operable combination therewith. In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIG. 9 , a marginal edge  146  of the throughbore  144  defined by plate  142  has a generally square configuration. Of course, it will be appreciated, the configuration of the marginal edge  146  of bore  144  can be other than generally square, for example, it could be rectangular, triangular, oblong or any other suitable non-circular configuration without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure. 
     The operative length of the guide rod  90  is such that when rod  90  is arranged in a locked condition with latching mechanism  104 , the upper end  96  of the rod  90  is preferably arranged in operable combination with apparatus  140 . More specifically, and in that embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when rod  90  is arranged in a locked condition relative to latching mechanism  104 , a lengthwise portion of the upper end  96  of the guide rod  90  passes endwise through and into operable combination with the bore  144  in plate  142 . In this regard, at least the lengthwise portion of the guide rod upper end  96  extending from an upper terminal end of the guide rod  90  and passing endwise through plate  142  has a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the marginal edge  146  of the throughbore  144  whereby inhibiting the guide rod  90  from rotating after being arranged in operable combination with plate  142 . Notably, the bore  54  in wedge member  50  of the clutch assembly  40  receives and accommodates the upper end  96  of the guide rod  90  when the wedge member  50  is forcibly driven axially inward relative to the open end  20  of housing  16  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . 
     Moreover, the cross-sectional configuration of at least the lengthwise portion of the guide rod upper end  96  extending from an upper terminal end of the guide rod  90  can facilitate rotation of the guide rod  90  about axis  92  through use of a suitable tool (not shown), such as a socket wrench and the like, whereby facilitating operation of the latching mechanism  104  in either a locked or unlocked condition. Alternatively, and as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the upper end  96  of the guide rod  90  can be configured with a suitably shaped recess such as a bore or slot  91  for releasably accommodating a tool (not shown) used to rotate guide rod  90  about axis  92  so as to facilitating operation of the latching mechanism  104  in either a locked or unlocked condition. 
     As mentioned, the interlocking instrumentalities for releasably holding the guide rod  90  in place while conjointly facilitating positioning of the guide rod  90  and thereby the pads  62  of spring  60  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  can take various forms without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure.  FIGS. 10 through 12  illustrate another form for the interlocking instrumentalities and which includes a modified form of latching mechanism. The elements of assembly  10  which are similar to those mentioned above are identified by like reference numerals. The latching mechanism shown in  FIGS. 10 through 12  is designated generally by numeral  204  and the components or elements of latching mechanism  204  which are functionally analogous to those components or elements discussed above regarding latching mechanism  104  are identified by reference numerals similar to those mentioned above with the exception this embodiment uses reference numerals in the 200 series. 
     As with mechanism  104 , the mechanism  204  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  includes a keeper, generally identified by numeral  210 . and a latch, generally identified by numeral  230 , provided on the elongated guide rod  90 . In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , keeper  210  of mechanism  204  is configured integral with housing  16 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the interior surface of the end wall  22  of housing  16  has a generally centralized recess  222  therein. The recess  222  in the housing end wall  20  defines an inturned flange portion  224  and opens to a larger void or recess  222 . The flange portion  224  on housing  18  operably acts as the keeper  210  for the latching mechanism  204 . As with opening  126  defined by plate  112  discussed above, the opening  226  has two generally parallel sides  227  and  227 ′ equally distanced from the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10  and are separated from each other by a distance less than the predetermined diameter of the guide rod  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal edge of the opening  226  defined by the flange portion  224  on housing end wall  22  is longer in a first direction than in a second direction extending generally normal to the first direction. 
     In the form shown in  FIG. 11 , the lower end  94  of the guide rod  90  is provided with a latch  230  which coacts with the keeper  210  of mechanism  204  so as to position the guide rod  90  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10  while inhibiting axial or endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . In this latching mechanism embodiment, latch  230  is substantially identical to latch  130  discussed above. Suffice it to say, the recess  222  defined by the end wall  22  of housing  16  is sized and configured to endwise accommodate and allow the projections or lobes  299 ,  299 ′ on the head portion  297  of the guide rod  90  to pass therethrough. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , when guide rod  90  is fully inserted into operable combination with the draft gear assembly  10 , and the latching mechanism  204  is in a locked condition, the projections or lobes  299 ,  299 ′ on the head portion  297  of guide rod  90  are arranged in generally normal relation relative to the longer axis of the opening  226  and are disposed in the dash line position shown in  FIG. 12 . When the latching mechanism  204  is in a locked condition, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the keeper  210  projects into the channel or groove  298  on guide rod  90  such that the lobes  299 ,  299 ′ are disposed below an operably captured by the keeper  210 . As such, the guide rod  90  is inhibited from axial displacement during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . 
     To allow guide rod  90  to be removed, for whatever reason, from its operable association with housing  16 , spring  60  and spring seat  80 , the latching mechanism  204  is simply and readily moved to an unlocked condition in the same manner as discussed regarding latching mechanism  104 . That is, and to condition mechanism  204  in an unlocked condition, the guide rod  90  is simply rotated about  90  degrees about axis  92  from the locked condition or position shown in dash lines in  FIG. 11 , until the keeper  210  and latch  230  are no longer in operable engagement with each other whereby allowing guide rod  90  to be endwise or axially removed from effecting alignment of the pads  82  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  whereby allowing the pads  62  to be removed from chamber  30  through opening  70 . through the opening. 
     Like structure  100  discussed above, the structure  200  for inhibiting endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10  can furthermore include an apparatus, generally identified by numeral  340  in  FIG. 10 , arranged toward the upper or second end  96  of the guide rod  90 . The purpose of apparatus  340  is to inhibit inadvertent rotation of the guide rod  90  about its axis  92  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . Preferably, apparatus  340  is functionally analogous to apparatus  140  discussed above and inhibits inadvertent rotation of the guide rod  90  about axis  92 . As will be understood, by inhibiting rotation of the guide rod  90  about axis  92 , the keeper  210  and latch  230  of latching mechanism  204  are maintained in their the locked condition relative to each other. 
     As mentioned, the interlocking instrumentalities for releasably holding the guide rod  90  in place while conjointly facilitating positioning of the guide rod  90  and thereby the pads  62  of spring  60  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  can take various forms without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure.  FIGS. 13 through 15  illustrate yet another form for the interlocking instrumentalities. The elements of assembly  10  which are similar to or the functional equivalent those mentioned above are identified by like reference numerals. Numeral  402  generally designates the interlocking instrumentalities in this embodiment of the invention disclosure. 
     In the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  15 , the end wall  22  of housing  18  defines a generally centralized recess  422 . The recess  422  opens only to chamber  30  defined by the draft gear housing  16 . Preferably, recess  422  has a closed marginal edge  425  defining a diameter for the recess  422  which is equal to or slightly larger than the predetermined diameter of the lower terminal end  94  of guide rod  90 . The lower wall  22  of the draft gear housing  16  furthermore defines a bore  423  having a closed marginal edge along the length thereof and which, in a preferred form, extends generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10 . At one end, bore  423  opens to the blind recess  422  of the draft gear housing  16 . At an opposed end, bore  423  opens to an exterior of the draft gear housing  16 . 
     Suffice it to say, and as shown in  FIG. 15 , when the guide rod  90  fully inserted into operable combination with the draft gear assembly  10 , the lower end  94  of the guide rod  90  is received, accommodated and inhibited from radial shifting movements by the margin defined by the generally centralized recess  422  in the end wall  22  of the draft gear housing  16 . As such, the lower end of the guide rod  90  and the pads  62  of the spring  60  arranged thereabout are generally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10 . 
     Moreover, in this embodiment of the invention disclosure, the guide rod  90  is inhibited from axial shifting movements during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . To accomplish these desirable ends, and in this form or embodiment, the lower end  94  of the guide rod  90  is provided with a bore  431  which, preferably, passes through the guide rod  90  and opens at opposed ends to a periphery of the guide rod  90 . Bore  431  has a diameter equal to or slightly larger than a bore  423  in the draft gear housing  16  extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  o assembly  10 . Moreover, and when the guide rod  90  is fully inserted into operable combination with assembly  10 , the bore  431  defined at the lower end  94  of the guide rod  90  aligns with the bore  423  in the draft gear housing  16 . 
     In this embodiment, the interlocking instrumentalities  402  further includes a locking pin or rod  441  which is selectively insertable through, removable from, and guided by the bore  423  in the draft gear housing  16 . When the guide rod  90  is fully inserted into operable combination with assembly  10 , the pin or rod  441  can be inserted endwise through the bore  423  in the draft gear housing and into the bore  431  on the guide rod  90  whereby inhibiting the guide rod  90  against endwise or axial movement during operation of the draft gear assembly.  10 . 
     To allow guide rod  90  to be removed, for whatever reason, from its operable association with housing  16 , spring  60  and spring seat  80 , the locking pin  441  is simply and readily removed from its operable association with the guide rod  90  by removing the pin  441  from the bore  431  in the guide rod whereby allowing guide rod  90  to be endwise or axially removed from effecting alignment of the pads  82  relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of assembly  10  and thus allowing the pads  62  to be removed from chamber  30  through opening  70 . 
     According to another aspect of this invention disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly  10  having a longitudinal axis  18  and including a housing  16  with a closed end  20 , an open end  24 , and wall structure  25  extending between the closed and open ends  20  and  24 , respectively, so as to define a chamber  30 , with the wall structure defining an opening  70  having a closed margin. The method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly  10  includes the steps of: inserting a spring seat  80  into the housing chamber  30  in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly, with the spring seat  80  defining a generally centralized bore  86  opening to opposed surfaces  82  and  85  thereof. Another step in the method involves holding the spring contacting surface  82  on the spring seat  80  in a raised position relative to the opening  70  defined by the housing  16  such that a series of elastomeric pads  62  can be inserted into the housing chamber  30  in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly and such that the pads  62  inserted into the housing chamber  30  are generally axially aligned and stacked one upon the other to define an axially elongated spring  60  extending between the closed end  20  of the housing and the spring seat  80 , with each pad  62  having a generally centralized bore  68  opening to opposed surfaces  64 ,  66  of the pad  62 . Another step involves: releasing the spring seat  80  from being held in a raised position relative to the opening  70  defined by the housing  16 . Still another step in the method involves: compressing the spring lengthwise. Yet another step in the method involves: installing an elongated guide rod  90  through the centralized bore  86  in the spring seat and though the generally centralized bore  68  in each of pad  62  comprising spring  60  so as to maintain general alignment of the pads  62  relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10 . The elongated guide rod  90  has an elongated axis  92 . Yet another step in the process involves decompressing the spring whereby allowing the spring seat  90  to be positioned and held by the housing under the influence of the decompressed spring  60 . The method also involves the step of securing the guide rod  90  within the housing  16  and in general alignment with the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly so as to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  relative to the housing  16  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . Another step in the method involves: pressing a friction clutch assembly  40  into operable combination with the open end  24  of the housing  16  until an actuator  50  of the friction clutch assembly  40  is captured by the housing  16   
     In a preferred form, the method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly further involves the step of: aligning the pads  62  inserted into the housing chamber  30  relative to each other before compressing the spring  60 . Preferably, the step of compressing the spring  60  involves the furthers step of: a) releasing the spring seat from its raised position relative to the opening  70  in the housing  16 ; b) initially and axially compressing a first set of elastomeric pads  62  axially within the housing  16 ; c) holding the first set of elastomeric pads in an axially compressed state within the housing  16  to allow at least one additional elastomeric pad  62  to be stacked upon the first set of elastomeric pads  62 ; d) again raising and releasably holding the spring seat  90  relative to the opening  70  defined by the housing  70  so as to allow at least one additional elastomeric pad  62  to be inserted into the housing chamber  30  in a direction extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis  18  of said draft gear assembly  10  and in generally axially aligned and stacked relationship with the first set of pads  62 , with the at least the one additional elastomeric pad  62  having a generally centralized bore  68  opening to opposed surfaces  64 ,  66  of the at least one additional elastomeric pad  62 ; e) releasing the spring seat from its raised position relative to the opening  70  defined by the housing  16 ; and then, f) compressing all the pads in the housing chamber  30 . 
     Preferably, and as shown in  FIG. 16 , the step of: holding the first set of elastomeric pads in an axially compressed state within the housing involves using a plurality of bars  502  extending in sufficient engagement with an upper surface  64  of the uppermost elastomeric pad  62  in the set of pads and which are insertable through openings  504  in the wall structure  25  of housing  16  whereby maintaining the first set of elastomeric pads  62  in a compressed state within chamber  30  of housing  16 . In one form, and after compressing all the pads  62  in the housing chamber  30 , the plurality of bars  502  extending in sufficient engagement an upper surface  64  of the uppermost elastomeric pad  62  in the set of pads are removed so as to allow the spring  60  to assume its operational height within chamber  30  of housing  16 . 
     In one embodiment of this invention disclosure the step of: securing an end of the guide rod  90  within the housing and in general alignment with the longitudinal axis  18  of the draft gear assembly  10  so as to inhibit endwise displacement of the guide rod  90  relative to the housing  30  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10  involves rotating the guide rod  92  about its axis  92  to interengage interlocking instrumentalities  102  on a latching mechanism  104  arranged within the housing  30 . Preferably, the method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly further involving the step of: inhibiting rotation of the guide rod  90  during operation of the draft gear assembly  10 . In one embodiment, the method of assembling a railcar draft gear assembly  10  further involves the step of: configuring an end section  96  of the guide rod  90  to facilitate rotation of said guide rod  90  about the axis  92  thereof. 
     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be made and effected without departing or detracting from the true spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. Moreover, it will be appreciated, the present disclosure is intended to set forth an exemplification which is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiment illustrated. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.