Grinding Noise That Goes Away When Pressing Clutch Pedal

1975 cj5, v8 304 with a t15 and dana 20 transfer. It was neglected for almost 10 years. Tranny and transfer was full of water changed fluid a couple of times now.

There is this grinding noise that goes away when I press the clutch pedal. At first I thought it was the throwout bearing but after changing the whole clutch kit, dumb me learned that a bad bearing will make sound with clutch pedal in and not out.

I put the transfer in neutral and transmission in 1st gear, still makes the sound.
Does anybody have any idea what could be making the sound?

 

Bad bearing(s) in transmission?

 

My guess would be the front bearing and/or pilot rollers.

 

X2 what jpflat2a sez.

 

The little needles between the input and main shaft will do that. Is it completely gone in 3rd and still a little noisy in 1st and 2nd?

 

On the image, I'm guessing the pilot rollers are part 6.076-1, and the front bearing would be 6.040-1. Is this correct?

Would I be better off just getting a rebuilt kit from Novak or something like that? since it was with water for such a long time... I really never worked on transmission rebuilds

, you're talking about the t15

Haven't really listened to it while running since I haven't been running it that much. Could I test this on jack stands?
Also I'm guessing you're also referring to the pilot rollers?

 

I would hold off on purchasing any parts for your transmission until you can disassemble and inspect all the components closely.
With known water having been inside, you could have bad bearing surfaces on the shafts.....or much worse.

 

BTDT. A grand later in parts for Nissan Hardbody 5 speed and lots of cleaning. Upgraded input and main shaft for better needle bearings.

 

Just to say that we got a new front bearing and the sound is gone. So hopefully it was only that and I don't have to lower the transmission again for a long time. Also found out that it looks like I need to change a couple of the dana 20 gaskets