‘46 transmission end play question

[Bruce_MO]

MyÂ’46 coupeÂ’s transmission looks good internally, but I havenÂ’t driven it in almost 30 years. IÂ’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