I pulled the tranny on my project last night and found what I expected....trashed. The project came with a replacement but I questioned this and the shifter shaft was damaged. I split the cases removed the shifter from the one and installed it in the other. To my suprise the trans that came with the car appears in very good shape. It looks like it has never been apart, clean inside and no main bearing issue. The only problem I am having is getting the snap ring installed back on hte intermediate shaft. When splitting the case I had to pry up about a 1/4 inch and then take the snap ring pliers and it came apart. On reassembly the 2 cases are completely together and it is just a tiny bit shy of the groove in the bearing. Is there a way to somehow seat the bearing or a trick to this?

 

Found this on another forum and will be attempting this evening but any other help is appreciated

"Put case on, no bolts.

Spread ring with snap ring pliers.

Smack case with rubber mallet while holding ring spread open.

Ring should be spread over the bearing.

Put a couple of case bolts in lightly, not torqued.

Put wood on ground.

Pick up case, hold upside down, gently drop case onto wood, listen for the click.

Once you hear the click look at the ring to make sure it snapped into place in the bearing groove."