HarrisonTX

So, I bought a used t56 off CL. It was stuck in 4th. After googling, apparently its a fairly common T56s issue due to stamped shift keys. The common fix is a rebuild/replace with billet 3-4 shift keys.

I downloaded the manual, read numerous threads to gain confidence and motivation, and ordered billet 1-2, 3-4 shift keys, a steel fork, and bronze pads for my transmission.

If anyone is unfamiliar with the workings of a T56, especially the shift keys, they're retained in their place with a sort of 'snap ring'. Almost no tension is on the keys.

Well, When I went to place the spring in (it comes in the kit) the ...billet key broke.

I pulled all three out, and after looking at them, I really dont think they're actually billet.
I'm absolutely no metal expert, but I'd imagine billet to have machine marks on all sides. This appears like some sort of cheap pot-metal. Sure it has machine marks (I believe them to be cut marks) on the sides, but I'm imagining these come in a long piece, and are chopped up to the appropriate length.

What do you guys think? Is that honestly billet, or are they marketing them as such, but they're actually an inferior product?

I ordered from http://www.thegearbox.org/ and these three keys are $45!!
They're marketed as billet, and I honestly believe they're not.
I'm asking for advice, as well as spreading the word.
http://www.thegearbox.org/catalog/it...17/3511686.htm

AMP-D

Most of the keys on the market are in fact powdered metal. We're in the process of developing a true billet SAE 4340 chrome moly shift key for the T56 and Corvette style T56. Once ready, they will be heat treated and REM polished. These are just samples of what we're developing, none have received heat treatment or REM polishing yet.

BALLSS

did you contact thegearbox?

My only dealing with them was a clutch fork a few years ago, no issue on that part.

I bought my T56 with "billet" keys, steel 3-4 fork from D&D Performance. They also sell parts.......but their "Billet" keys are $99...maybe they are actually billet

http://www.ddperformance.com/bs47-t-...illet-inserts/

AMP-D

In that price range, they should be billet material.

dgcustomz

iTrader: (127)

As AMP has stated, every "billet" key I'VE seen and purchased from these big name shops have been powdered metal. Jason at TDP is the only one that uses true billet. This can be said for "bronze pads" as well. They are yellow brass, nothing more. They are not bronze, Jason at TDP uses aluminized bronze.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

The pictured broken key looks like a 1-2 key, not a 3-4.
And it looks like the stock powder style to me.


The 3-4, 5-6 and reverse use the same key (on the right and bottom of AMP-D's picture)