‘46 transmission end play question
 

My’46 coupe’s transmission looks good internally, but I haven’t driven it in almost 30 years. I’ve just started in on a restoration of a nice driver, which I did a few mechanical refreshes 35 years ago. Long ago, I replaced the clutch and all the transmission bearings, along with brakes, kingpins, etc. and then drove it maybe a couple thousand miles before parking it.

Now as I’ve removed the side cover, I’ve noticed about 0.025” end play (axially) on the main drive gear. The bearing is sliding in the case that much. I have about the same amount of axial movement in the rear bearing and main shaft moving relative to the rear of the case, (i.e., I can push and pull the u-joint a hair over 0.025”). Is that normal, or should the bearing retainer/trans mount on both ends be providing less axial play? Both measurements were taken with a dial indicator. It seems a bit excessive to me, but I’ve not done many transmissions.

Also, my Motors manual says I should have 0.004” to 0.008” clearance between the second gear and the thrust washer on the main shaft. I can’t get a 0.004” feeler gauge in the gap. But it does seem to be free and not binding in any way.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Bruce

Re: ‘46 transmission end play question
 

Did you put the oil shields that feeds the bearings back on the input and the output shaft.

Re: ‘46 transmission end play question
 

Try a thinner gasket under the front main drive bearing retainer or a different retainer. Also make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings.

Re: ‘46 transmission end play question
 

Inner shields are in place, snap ring in place, etc.

Both gaskets seemed to be very thin.

Bottom line is that 0.025 is too much play? Is there a target to shoot for? Maybe I can find another hearing retainer, or mill some on mine to gain some tightness.

Thanks

Re: ‘46 transmission end play question
 

As Ken stated, 'make sure it has the correct snap ring on the bearings.' The modern replacement bearings use narrower snap rings....I always replace them with the original snap rings which are somewhat thicker. The clue to your problem is you state the bearings can move within the case. If the correct snap rings are fitted, this cannot occur as the snap rings, hence the bearings, are securely held in place by the front and rear bearing retainers.

Re: ‘46 transmission end play question
 

VanPelt has a snap ring kit for this.