I am getting ready to drop a 235 into my 53 half ton to replace the cracked 216. I am about ready for the installation now, so I removed the tranny from the old 216 to clean it up and install it on the new motor. I haven't worked much on trannys before, but I am a little concerned by all the play in the input shaft on the tranny - the shop book calls it the clutch gear shaft and bearing. It is a fair amount of play.
I assume that if the bearing is good there should not be any play, eh? The tranny has never given me any trouble, other than leaking oil from all possible openings. I would really like to find a simple DIY solution - hopefully replace the bearing and seal and tape it back together again. But I also fear that if I start pulling the tranny apart I am in for a total rebuild. I am over here in Sweden, far away from experienced old tranny guys, and parts take a long time to arrive and lots of expensive bribes to the shipping companies and customs.
The only process described in the shop book is a total rebuild. Is that my only option?
