getting transmission tail cover back on, question for Dr Evil or anyone else Options

[worn]

I bought a side shift transmission and of course the first thing I did was to take the back cover off. Good news is the dog teeth look sharp. OK, not really going to work on this right now, lets button it back up. No go. It appears that all or at least a few of the studs are splayed slightly outwards and I can get things lined up but the ting won't tap back together. I have reverse sliding across it's gear, and I am watching the notched thrust piece try to slide off, but it won't quite go. Any thoughts before I break something?

Sorry I mistakenly followed a thread and posted first in classifieds.

[Jeffs9146]

Make sure you stack the loose gears and not try to leave them on the tail cone! Align the stack of gears and gently slide the tail cone over them.

[Richard Casto]

Make sure you stack the loose gears and not try to leave them on the tail cone! Align the stack of gears and gently slide the tail cone over them.

That is how I do it. I am at the point that I have nearly 100% success rate of threading the needle on the first try. When you stack them up, use something (like a straw, etc.) to slide down the middle to make sure the entire stack is aligned up as close as you can get. Then position the cover above and thread the needle.

I have heard that strategic application of some grease can be done to hold things into place, but I don't use that method. You can also practice by remove the reverse idler gear and associated bearings, etc. to get a feel for how it finally seats.

Regardless of how you do it, don't force it as if things are not aligned, you can easily damage the bearing that sits between the thrust washer and the reverse idler gear. A dental pick (cheap at HF tools) can also be used to position that thrust washer and bearing if you get the cover 90% on and things just don't align properly.

Good luck! You will eventually get it done. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Richard