Transmission Question 49 B 1 D three sp

[dbcooper292]

So I went to the ole parts pile under the tarp (these trucks get REALLY big when you disassemble them!) and tugged out the transmission for some TLC since the frame has only one more day of work to go...

On the front of the trans there's a sort of a cone, basically a tube surrounding the input shaft which widens suddenly into a four bolt plate where it meets the front of the trans. If you remove this, you would, if you were having a good day, see a slotted ring threaded onto the input shaft holding it against the bearing. On my transmission, that ring would have unthreaded and, while knocking around in there and wearing its threads out, have jammed at one point and snapped the tube off the flange.

So, what I have now is a tube that's been bopping around loose on the input shaft, a ring that's got its threads gummed out, and an input shaft which exhibits plenty of play in the bearing. My questions are:

1) What does this cone/tube do, so I can be sure to fix it properly. Does it simply provide a limit to clutch travel, or what? How close does it fit around the input shaft, is there supposed to be a bearing in it or anything?

2) What should I be looking for to determine what if any damage occurred as a result of the threaded ring being off the input shaft, I plan to replace the bearing, but is there something else to check?

3) Basically what tolerances or issues should I be checking in the trans? I have the manual, and it just refers to some end play measurements for the countershaft.

4) Is there a trans 'freshening' kit available, or at least that threaded ring, or am I fabbing it?

thanks, this project is kind of fun because it's on the workbench and my son is fascinated by how it works, the down side is my wife's minivan interior is starting to absorb the gear oil smell from the garage. Not good politically.

DB

[MBF]

I can answer question #1. That input tube or collar that you reference is what centers and guides the throwout bearing for the clutch. It needs to be smooth and free of gouges to allow the t/o bearing to travel smoothly. As far as the gearlube smell in the minivan-you're on your own with that one! I've been married 30 yrs by the grace of God and advised not to give marital advise whether it is solicited or not! Mike

Edited April 27, 2010 by MBFowler