Friction draft gear housing having a removable end wall

A friction-type draft gear assembly includes a housing having an open front end and a partially closed rear end with a first and second rear portions and a pair of ledge members disposed intermediate such first and second rear portions for enabling the draft gear assembly to fit into a draft gear pocket of a predetermined length. A first rear portion is adapted to receive a compressible cushioning element with a seating arrangement abutting one end thereof which extends longitudinally from the second portion of the closed rear end toward the open front portion. A removable bottom wall is attachable either to the first or second rear portions for enabling installation of the compressible cushioning element through the first end. The open front end is adapted to receive a friction cushioning means which has a spring release mechanism for continuously urging the friction cushioning means outwardly from the compressible cushioning element thereby releasing such friction cushioning means after compression of such draft gear assembly. The open front end is configured for direct attachment to a coupler with a coupler key.