| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,090 Posts1,056,014 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 | Pulled my SM420 out of my 51 3100 just to go through it. Shifting seems smooth and no known issues when I drove it including no leaking. I took the cover off and it looks pristine in there and well maintained. Having it out I notice that the input shaft wiggles a bit. Question is should I put in new bearings or just put new gaskets on and seal it back up leaving well enough alone?
1951 Chevy 3100 5 window with a 1958-60 235 and original 4 speed.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Purney, If it didn't howl, I would leave it alone. That ball bearing has to have clearance to operate, and when you vector (?) that to the end of the long input shaft, it will probably show up as a small amount of wiggle. If you are still unsure, price the bearing and compare it to the amount of labor and mashed knuckles it took to remove the tranny...if the bearing price is cheaper than the peace of mind, stick a new one in. That's my two cent take on the situation!  Stuart | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 | Thanks Stuart. Tranny didnt howl, if the slight wiggle is normal then I think I will leave well enough alone. New gaskets and off I go!
1951 Chevy 3100 5 window with a 1958-60 235 and original 4 speed.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Stuart is right. While you have the front retainer off take a bright light & shine it in the front bearing. Turn it slow & check for any pits or roughness in the races or balls. That is the part that wears the soonest & can cause the most noise. It can be replaced without tearing down the trans.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 38 |
1951 Chevy 3100 5 window with a 1958-60 235 and original 4 speed.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 | Thanks Wrench. I have mine on an engine stand. I will check that before I put it in the truck.
Dennis
-there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer-
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 | That transmission is a rock crusher. In production for 30 years seeing duty in heavy trucks, busses and military vehicles. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 499 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2000 Posts: 499 |
'67 GMC 3/4 292 4spd
| | |
|
|
| |
