Tranny rebuild - "While I'm in There" items?
 

Not sure how to search for this, so here's my post...

Right now I'm thinking that the tranny in my '78 will be getting a rebuild over the winter. I'm not sure how much involvement I'll have in that at this time, but when it gets done, what other things should I be doing "while I'm in there"? I'm going to start buying parts now to spread out the costs, so that's why I'm asking now. The work probably won't be done until Fall driving season is over. (..sorry, not driving this thing in the winter! :p )

Clutch seems obvious. Shift bearings as well. How 'bout a new clutch cable? What else? Transmissions are a bit of a mystery to me.

Thanks in advance.

SmileWavy

Doug,

Great question. I’m sure a lot of Pelicans can offer more insight. A lot is archived. Use "Search."

First is to diagnose your current condition of shifting. One thing you need to address is shift maintenance. That usually includes syncros, sliding sleeves and engagement dogs on the gears among other parts.

Other considerations are replacing the main (6) bearings. When you do this, you should measure the pinion setting and reset it to original after the bearing replacement. Part of the replacement is resetting the differential bearing preload and the R&P backlash. This requires the tools and expertise.

There are some important upgrades such as the Wevo bearing retainer and the “dam seal” in the clutch release bearing guide tube.

Most important is the skill and experience to recognize worn or defective parts. The “art” of transmission rebuilding is recognizing what has to be replaced and what not.

Best,
Grady

Thanks Grady. I'll be doing more research (in addition to what little I have done already) for sure. I just wasn't sure if anybody has asked this exact question, so I thought I'd just post. (I know...lazy.)

FYI for the tranny itself, I'm considering three options...giving the car to my mechanic and saying "fix it"...pulling the enginge and tranny myself and sending it to, say, John Walker and saying "fix it"...or maybe rebuilding it myself (not likely).

Perhaps I should expand my question to...if the motor is pulled while my tranny is being fixed, what else should I look for / do that would be good preventative maintenance? I'd also appreciate opinions with "must do" or "should do" or "would be nice to do" added to them.

Thanks again. I know, a lot to ask, but I appreciate anyone's input.

newer, re-inforced side plate? or Wevo side plate?

Well, if your motor is out it is a lot easier to get at and adjust your valves and replace sparkplugs. Also look carefully for any weeping/leaking areas, such as the oil breather housing. I did my own tranny last year in my basement (1st timer at this too) and it's not overly complicated, but there is always the great unknown. Risk is that you may find a problem you didn't know about and things get a bit more involved. If you can avoid having to re-set the output shaft depth (ie, pinion) it is a DIY project. On the other hand, I'm told JW can do it for about $500 plus parts ( and shipping), and I'm sure he's not above bailing you out if you have to send him your tranny hopelessly in pieces from your first attempt! :D

Doug,

This is the classic Pelican DIY project. Many have gone before with great success. YOU have the skill to do this and have all of Pelican supporting. Don’t let “lazy” interfere with a fun and satisfying project. I’ll be glad to help (and motivate).

Best,
Grady

...plus you'll have a better appreciation for how these things work. I found the most challenging part was just getting the car high enough to roll the engine/tranny out. It sure helps if your rear bumper and valance come off.

How about some details regarding what's driving your decision?

Brian

Thanks for the input and encouragement all! The actual rebuild of the tranny still seems a little intimidating. But I've been re-assured by some local friends that it's a fairly "simple" matter of just fallowing good directions. (Did Wayne ever do that tranny rebuild book? :p ) Still, I have a ton of excuses for not jumping into the tranny myself...some of them very legitimate.

What I'm trying to ask (communication 101 Doug) is what things other than the tranny would you tend to while the tranny is out (and the motor is out). I've purchased a short shift kit and new shift bushings, and considering a new clutch cable. I'll probably wait to see what the clutch looks like before buying parts there...or is it just worth it to replace it all now? Checking oil leaks in the motor is a good idea. Other thoughts?

Sure. Although, again, I'm not trying to turn this into a "how to rebuild the tranny" thread. (Apologies for not asking clear questions up front!)

My transmission appears to simply have worn synchros in 1-2-3. I can't shift into first w/o a crunch unless I'm at a dead stop (more or less). Second is ok on the upshift, but a 3-2 is best done with patience and/or a double clutch. Shifting into third is best done with patience or a double clutch (up or down) or I get a crunch. Fourth and fifth are just fine. Overall shifting and clutch isn't heavy or too stiff. (..well, it's still a 915..) I'm able to work with the idiosyncracies and can still enjoy the car, but if I really want to "pick up the pace", the transmission lets me down. (..and yes, I know you can't shift a 915 fast, this is still too slow..) Plus, Julie doesn't want to drive it if she has to double clutch.

I think the funds will allow a rebuild over winter, so I'm tentatively planning on it. Next year is going to be a big year for me and Julie (she graduates and we begin our Westward migration), so I'd like to have the car fairly well sorted before then. (..secretly, I'm preparring the car for a cross country journey. We'll see how that plan goes.. :p )

Doug&Julie Targa America!!! :D

Doug,

My personal opinion is to “kiss off” any short-shift kit including the Factory one. While this may be only my personal preference, I know many others who agree. A well maintained original shift system works best for me and many others.

A transmission rebuild may seem intimidating today but you will become skilled during the process. This is the beauty of Pelican. You have both archival information and Pelicans willing to help you – real time. After the rebuild you will be able to offer knowledgeable advice to the next generation.

Fear not. You have a cadre of Pelicans to support you.

Best,
Grady

Thanks, you're not the first person to tell me this...and I've gone back and forth on it. But the reason I went ahead and bought the factory short shift is the shifter mechanism rubs my leg when shifting into second. (!!) I don't know if it's the further offset pedels of the Targa or I'm just getting that much fatter, but I've decided it's too much "in the way". So while I don't expect any improvements in the actual shifting (in fact, I've heard it makes it stiffer), I'm thinking it'll be more comfortable from the standpoint of my driving position, etc.

Thanks again for the encouragement on the rebuild! You never know, I just may make it work. :)

I'm having a difficult time picturing this. Did the previous owner mess with the linkage? How do your shift coupler bushings look?

Brian

I'll see if I can take a photo (or video) of it. It probably has more to do with my driving position. I can drive w/o rubbing my leg, certainly, but what's most comfortable has my thumb hitting my leg when I shift. It's more of an "uncomfortable feeling" than the shifter actually rubbing my leg.

Doug,

If interference with your right leg is an issue, it is easy to bend a standard shift lever. I have done this for many owners. No big deal. Part of this was for many ‘handicap’ 911 owners. I built several hand control 911s, including very special Sportomatics, for customers.

Yesterday I was driving a ’70 with sport seats. I could have used an altered shifter and my legs are still skinny.

Best,
Grady

Grady...never thought of that...something to think about!