My t56 is installed and I am wondering after what I have read. If removing the tail housing is easy as it sounds without dropping the trans. Reason being is while I was draining the fluid and adding new a small piece of metal fell into the case. I tried a endo scope but couldnt find it, my suspicion is its on the magnets inside. Removing the tail house should get me enough room to find it and seal it back up. From what I have read absolutely dont force anything on install and maybe the 5/6 shift rail might have to be nudged when putting it back on. Remove the shifter cup, might have to use a razor to cut the seal so it will pop off easier.

 

What small piece of metal fell in? And how?

 

I was using a hand pump to fill the trans fluid. At the end of the tube was a little clip (butterfly) that holds the tube in the hold. Once done I pulled the tube out and that damn thing slid off and into the case. The trans has not moved since, so integrity is still solid. Just need to get it out. I knew it would happen and I should have taken that off and held it by hand SMH

 

Fbody type T56 I take it and you had the tube where the Shift Rail goes forward?

 

ya fbody specifically GTO t56. It was in the fill bung on drivers side about midway up. After it fell in I lifted the car up in the front in hopes it would slide down to the drain and grab it. Not know there are magnets after the fact I am sure they snagged it. It shouldnt be in the gears anywhere.

 

If you feel the need to pull the Tail Housing, having it in Reverse will help because that Rail will be all the way back and it will help line it back up when putting it back together. Just keep in mind the gears meshing.

 

I wouldn't recommend taking off the rear tail housing while in the car. There is a counter shaft in there that is not going to be easy to get reinstalled with it in the car. Just my .2 cents.

 

I have already completed this with it in. It was pretty easy being honest. The one trick is what the_merv said. That is to put it in reverse before taking it off. Other than that just lining it up straight. Don’t force anything because it should go on smooth and flush.

 

Oh ok. Cool.

 

Yup having it in Reverse helps, I've built a few. Good to hear.