Transmission / Overdrive: Transmission Synchronizer Ring Protector Special Tool

[avantibngrant]

I am working through the details on converting the 48 Land Cruiser OD transmission to fir my 52 2R5 pickup by turning down the input shaft. There is a special too called the Transmission Synchronizer Ring Protector with a part number for the Champ and one for the Commander. Since it is not available any more, what do you folks use to assemble the tranny to take up the thrust of putting that front bearing into place?
Thanks
Neil

[52-fan]

There is probably a work around of some kind. Mechanics can get very creative when they need to. This will post will move your question back to the top.

[gordr]

It appears to be a fixture to hold the synchro rings and keys in place while the input shaft is withdrawn or inserted from the front. I have never used one. I disassemble/reassemble transmissions from the rear opening in the case. Doing it as illustrated will require that you knock out the shaft for the cluster gear, replacing it with a dummy shaft as you do so, to keep all the needles and thrust washers in place. The dummy shaft is short, and will permit the cluster to drop to the bottom of the case, allowing the input shaft to be withdrawn and/or replaced. You can't do it otherwise, as the synchro teeth on the input shaft make a larger circle than the gear teeth themselves, and will hang up on the meshing gear teeth of the cluster.

The method illustrated was devised for dealer shops that were tasked with replacing only the input shaft or bearing in a relatively new transmission with no other damage, and would be quicker, if that were the only task. We are working on old, old transmissions, and all the internal parts will show wear. May as well do them from the rear, and examine/replace all internal parts as wisdom and finances permit.

[doofus]

IIRC you remove the bearing lock ring and tap input shaft back with wood block,once case is cleared of obstructions, like main shaft and gears. shop manual is helpful here. Luck Doofus

[avantibngrant]

Thanks guys. I see what you mean. Installing the front shaft and bearing first does make sense. I was able to get the front shaft of the car out through the front with a little wiggling, but the truck had a larger gear and I had to take it out through the back after I pulled the whole back assy off. My re-assembly challenge will be the synchronizer assy and the 14 rollers between the front and the back shafts. I should get the reworked shaft back in a week or so.

[doofus]

Check the manual, it will go a lot easier and you will pinch fewer fingers! Luck Doofus