[ursus]

I recently bought a transmission sourced from a restored car that was being parted out by a hot rodder. The previous owner had rebuilt the unit with NOS Ford gears, which showed little or no wear. I nevertheless dismantled it for inspection and found the dimpled type of bearings throughout. Those in the cluster gear had a significant wear pattern. The short bearing in the input shaft/mainshaft pocket had completely disintegrated, with severe damage to both shafts. I got some decent gears out of the deal but was otherwise disappointed.

I have dismantled at least a dozen transmissions over the past 15 years. Most had gears that were badly worn yet the bearings, which were from back when we made good stuff, were usually intact and not too badly worn. I have saved some and will inspect them for possible reuse, given the apparent poor quality of current stock..