[fixitphil]

I have a lot of slide (about 1/2") in my drive gear on my Main Drive Gear Shaft.
This is noticed when the Speedometer Gear and Cap Assy. are removed. I've been told that there should not be that much play (slide) in the Drive Gear for the speedometer. Also told that probably the retainer (ring) is either broken or was never in place after a transmission overhaul.
Another theory: I've also been told that the retainer (ring) does not have to be in place as it was only there to keep the gear in place as the new engine was hanging vertically on the way to installation at the factory.
I'm totally confused with several different theory's. Help!