I was just wondering, for all you DIY at home trans rebuilders, what are you using to install the gears after rebuilds? Do you all have shop presses or is there some other way of getting the gears back on the shafts? Also, how difficult is it to shim these transmissions?

The story is that I got 147,000 miles out of my factory T-56. Over the last few thousand miles it seems to have developed a vibration when in 5th and 6th gears. First it seemed only to occur in 5th and now it does it when in 6th too. I pulled the trans yesterday and opened it up. Everything looks OK, the only observation that I have made is that the extension countershaft seems to have some play in it while the output shaft has very little/no play. I will note here however that I have never rebuilt a transmission and that my observation is purely in comparison to the other shaft present when removing the extension housing. My thought is that I either need to replace the bearings, or reshim the trans. I would also like to rebuild it while I have it out, but I don't have a shop press. Any suggestions or do I need to buy a press?

 

We bought a cheap press at Harbor freight and reuilt 3 different LT1/T-56 boxes.

Also look really close at the syncros and blocker rings on 2nd/3rd/4th!

 

Thanks for the help. May I ask how many tons your press is rated to? In other words, how big of a press to I need? Space is at a premium at my place.

 

some use pipe that fits on the gear and a mallet

 

That can work too. I can't remember the rating and I don't own the Press. Rating was never a concern, I don't think you need that much. A harbor freight press with various configuration options is all you'll need.

 

buy a cheap press..you dont need a ton of force...and for bearings...do the heat/cool method.

 

Thanks for the advice. I ordered my parts at T-56 Rebuilds and am awaiting their arrival. I will be picking up a press this weekend. Wish me luck!

 

Could you elaborate on this? What exactly do you have to do/ what to heat with/ tools needed, etc.?

EDIT: I found some presses on the harbor freight site. The 12 and 20 ton look pretty nice and surprisingly cheap. I didn't think you could get a press for so little. Heres the link for anyone who wants to look, presses are towards the bottom of the page.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...501&pricetype=

 

What all did you get for your rebuild and what did it run you if you don't mind posting?

 

I am pretty sure he got our 1A package and it is $600 shipped. It includes the carbon blocker rings, new 1/2 slider, new 3/4 slider, billet 3/4 keys, bronze 1-4 fork pads and the steel 3/4 fork. He can correct me if I am wrong. I get everyones board names wrong sometimes

Amber
T56Rebuilds.com

 

Is that $600 a sponsor price? I know on your web site it's $950 for package 1A.

 

No that is just for parts. The $950 includes labor for that package. The $600 was just parts he ordered.

Amber

 

Oh, I see thanks.

 

I did go with the 1 A package and the pricing was as indicated above. I also ordered some additional parts (bearings, shims, etc.) as they were recommended by Amber. All told I think my charge was around $900, but that includes ~$120 for a puller that I will rent, return, and get a full credit for. I would have to say that they are really flexible with regards to the parts. I elected to order just about everything that I need in advance and then return what I don't use since I will be sending the 5/6 puller back anyway. I will get a refund for any parts which are unused. I don't recall the exact total, and unfortunately I don't have the invoice because the parts did not arrive on Friday like they had anticipated. I was hoping to rip into it this weekend, but now my daily driver will stay on blocks for the next few days until I have some time to do it over my Thanksgiving break.

 

I just tracked it for you and it shows delivery of the 20th. I was sure 3 days but I guess closer to 4 business days to New Jersey from TX. If you want the tracking number shoot me a pm. I can go on ups and get it anytime. The shims are coming seperate via an envelop since I wasn't sure what you needed I just sent a few of what we had.

Thanks,
Amber
T56Rebuilds.com

 

Amber,

Thanks for the information. You have mail. I must say, you give great customer service. I look forward to working with you in the future.