[danbo313]

Originally Posted by 85MikeTPI

No. The trans was built with too much preload on the bearing, or you're getting some pressure on the drive train. Is your driveshaft a little too long and binding into the tailhousing?

Now I've seen conflicting things concerning preload. I've read article like GM-High Tech performance and other peoples write-ups like this one: http://www.noid.org/~lj/T56/T56.htm

They talk about preloading the main-shaft/input shaft. According the the service manual, you shim for end-play not preload. The counter shaft is preloaded.

Excerpt from manual:
"Place tip of dial indicator on end of main-shaft (23).
e. Measure
1. Input shaft/main-shaft end play by moving
input shaft (10) up and down.
2. Select shim (6) to achieve 0.000 to 0.002 in.
(0.00 to 0.05 mm) end play."

I put the mid-plate back on and started disassembling the tranny the proper way. I tried pulling up and down on the main shaft, but there seems to be no play at all. I wonder if it was preloaded..

I forgot to add this video of the race:

Oh and is it normal for the main-shaft to look like this where the 5th/6th driven gears go? I could pull this gear off by hand.