trans ?

[puddin]

1. how hard is it to rebuild a 5spd man trans-- are we talking backyard mech or brain surgery???
2. whats the cost of a rebiuld kit if one is even available??
3. keep the brass snycro's or go to steel
4. do i have to pull the eng or can i drop the trans with the car on jack stands

thanks
mark

[baltobernie]

1. If you've doe this before on another vehicle, I'm told there is nothing unusual. Shop manual and proper tools req.
2. Parts available individually from the usual vendors.
3. I think your only choice is the OE brass
4. No and Yes

[JerryH]

Puddin,

I rebuilt my 5 speed transmission last summer. I've never undertaken anything like this before; I'm a novice mechanic. It was actually pretty fun. I figured I had nothing to lose--if I failed I'd just buy a rebuilt one from one of the vendors. I used the Haynes manual as a guide (with some advice from the fine folks on this forum). There was at least one bearing that I needed to get pressed off, so it would be helpful to have a shop nearby that can do this for you.

I purchased a rebuild kit from Classic Ricambi.

My advice is to take your time. If you're in a hurry to get back on the road, I'd seriously consider purchasing a rebuilt unit. If you'd like more advice or encouragement, let me know.

Good luck.

-J

[ventura ace]

I concur that the tranny rebuild is relatively easy, provided that you follow the procedures in the manuals. I suggest that you taken plenty of pictures during disassembly in case that the internals in your tranny are slightly different than the manual (I have indeed experienced this). A thorough rebuild would be to replace all the bearings, synchros, the two slider rings (1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th), and possibly the shift forks. I had to replace the input shaft/4th gear due to wear on the engagement edge of the gear teeth. I cleaned up all the parts and took them to a local Fiat mechanic, who looked them over and gave me advice for what to replace, and what was OK as is.

Removal and retorquing some of the parts does require some special tooling, or ability to improvise. A good sturdy set of snap-ring pliers is needed, and an impact driver.

Alvon