72 CJ-6 T15 problems

Hi Guys, Jon in CT here with the CJ-6 I recently bought. So I have been driving it around, probably 300 miles or so. The clutch was a little grabby so I decided to pull the transmission out this weekend to look at the clutch. I found a wiped out pilot bushing, broken input bearing retainer and a lot of play in the input bearing. Can anyone recommend a good rebuild kit? Looks like some are two times the price of others...I assume you get what you pay for? Also the front & rear main bearings can slide front to back in the transmission housing, is this "normal" or is my housing worn?

Thanks,

Jon

 

One possibility - http://hermtheoverdriveguy.com/?page_id=1313 - Herm also sells parts, and has done some research on which suppliers' parts are good and which are junk.

Generally the Jeep retailers handle the Crown Automotive kits, which I hear are ok. I would avoid anything Omix or Rugged Ridge branded. It really depends on what you need. If you need gears, I think you will be better off to look for another core, or talk to Herm. I believe that new gears for the T-15 are NLA.

R&P 4WD is another good source if you need an input gear or a retainer. Novak is also a good source, but I hear they sell the Crown kit, and used transmission parts is not their business.

Re the case wear, in my experience you can get the bearings to come out of the case by wiggling and prying gently on the snap ring. You are supposed to use a puller on the bearings, but I recall for the front that's mostly about getting the bearing off the input shaft. I suspect that's true for the main shaft too - but last time I was into one was 30 years ago. If your bearings are a lot looser than this, I don't think I can judge. Maybe Nick can comment.

 

The input and output bearings are a snug slip fit in the case but are a press fit on the input and output (main) shaft. Or should be. Herm is a good source as is Novak. Be aware many kits come with Chinese bearings and many with Timken and other brands. Ask what you are getting in the kit offered. That can account for the cost difference frequently. The price on quality bearings has increased significantly in the last couple years so be aware of what comes in the kit offered. Many suppliers have different levels of kits available also.
R&P and Herm have been sources for used parts for T-15's over the years. Good used oem parts are getting harder to find so be prepared to do some searching. I would avoid the aftermarket hard parts (shafts, gears, etc.) as in my experience most aren't very good.

 

They are definitely an interference fit to the shaft. They slide out of the case but don't appear to be rotating in the case. Gears look fine. The transmission was shifting fine and wasn't really making noise. The clutch was the main issue.

 

You may want to consider using Loctite Bearing Mount.

 

Hey guys, I have been waiting for my puller to arrive, finally got it and pulled the tranny apart. Front of main shaft has some galling and some wear on the countershaft. I'm guessing both of these need replacement?

Jon

 

There is a slight ridge on the countershaft where the roller bearings ride. It almost feels like it is a metal deposit on the mainshaft rather than pitting.

 

Yes, both need replacing. The countershaft is a wear item and is readily available. The mainshaft should be replaced and is not normally a wear item so a good used unit should be available from many sources including Herm, R&P, PartsMike, etc.
the material worn from those parts will have gone through the bearings so you are on the right track replacing them. Herm and Novak both supply pretty good rebuild kits.