So once the new 4 point bearing arrived I did a test fit into the used replacement bearing retainerr and the fit was recessed rather than flush or proud of the retainer. I went ahead and did a test mount of the bearing with the retainer and shims on the cases without the shaft in place and it was not good. Way too much slop in both radial and axial planes. Not going to work!
So I took the advice of JW and Joe Bob and went with the single bearing retainer from CMS. It's a very nice piece of hardware!
So now that the mainshaft has to come apart, some tool fabrication was in order. I took a page from Jim Sims book and welded the smallest 1/2" drive socket I had as a spare and welded it onto a 1 5/8" socket. I had to cut down the 1" drive 1 /5/8" and bored out the center with a torch to slip over the shaft. Gutted the old clutch disc to hold the the mainshaft at the splines which fits perfectly in the jaws of the vice. Supported everything with a pipe fitters tripod. It all worked great!
I got the gear stacks reassembled with the one piece retainer in place. I found it easier to do the pinion shaft first, then ziptie the two gear cluster togeher in two places (didn't take a picture), then press on the mainshaft 4 point and roller bearing. I couldn't find any threads on how others had done this with the single piece retainer, but this method worked for me. I then mounted the shafts and gear clusters into the case with the replacement shims.
This is as far as I've gotten with the tranny while awaiting the shift fork jig, which is taking painfully long to get shipped.
In the meantime, I've spent a majority of the time cleaning the engine and all the other parts. Sodium hydroxide works great for this!
After some spit and polish, paint, and a bunch of new seals and gaskets for the engine and CIS, the engine is anxious to return to duty! Still awaiting the new plug wires and clutch alignment tool to finish.
With tins
I've been agonizing not being able to drive my car. It's only been about 6 weeks since I stopped driving it due to the tranny issue, but it's downright painfull. I don't see how some of you can put these cars away for the winter or only bring them out on nice sunny days!
Thanks again to all the Pelicans that have travelled into this territory before and left many great threads to learn from and those that are always there to help steer in the right direction.
