Opened things up today. Everything came apart quite easily. I used the " 2 gears at once" technique to lock the shaft. It seems pretty common so I thought I would do that to save the time to make or locate a proper shaft locking tool.
I believe I am the first one into this 915 as the gaskets looked original. There was nothing but the gaskets on the sealing surfaces.
I followed Peter's guide for the most part except for the shift fork removal part in intermediate housing. I kept those intact per the threads recommending this by John Walker to keep reassembly simple.
I will post some photos of the gears but I did not notice any broken or severely warn dog teeth. The very tips appear to be slightly rounded My PPI indicated a gearbox that was probably in pretty good shape except what is probably worn synchros. I do not know how to tell if the synchros are worn . I guess that will be determined later when I disassemble the shaft stacks .
Unfortunately the pinion race has spun as feared. It turned quite easily with greasy fingers . If you didn't know better one would think that the race was supposed to turn as it was so smooth in its oil film. I was able to remove the race with my fingers but it is not sloppy if that means anything.
I also see that there is some wear on what I think is the 1st gear (small gear). I have no idea how much wear is expected here.
Now I need to sort where to go from here since I guess this is definitely not a good situation to be in. I am not sure what is a good or bad looking 915 when you open it up.
I know I want to fix it right. I want to close this thing up knowing I have a 915 that I don't have to be worried about for many years of spirited driving.
I took quite a few photos and can load them up for all to see.
I guess I should continue the dissassembly or should I put it back together and ship it off. I did not find it difficult to take it apart to this point but I know I am just starting the process.
Comments please .