rebuild troubles m5r1

[s10350]

I am rebuilding my M5R1 and I'm running into troubles. I follow the service manual assembly instructions to get the bearings and bearing plate installed on the rear of the transmission. Then when I try stand it up on end to install the bearings from the bellhousing side I can't get the input shaft bearing race installed. the input shaft bearing isn't centered in the opening and I can't figure out why. Is there something i'm missing here?

 

[Taragon]

Okay....take the rear bearing plate off...or at least loosen it to the point its almost off...

Now....grease the front bearing race, and install it the best you can by hand....

If you have a piece, slide a piece of pipe over the input shaft, and give it a few soft bumps.

Install the front bearing retainer.

Now slowly and evenly tighten the retainers a little at a time, about a 1/2 turn each bolt. But try not to tighten 2 bolts on the same retainer, or the same one 2 times in a row.

 

[s10350]

I think I may have figured it out. I ordered an input shaft and cluster gear assembly off of ebay. The cluster gear i bought is a 38-34-25-17
(part# m5r1-8a) while I think my transmission needs the 38-32-24-16
(part# m5r1-8). Is there any way to tell what mine had without having the old cluster gear? I don't have the old cluster gear or input shaft as I got the transmission along with the parts in a box. It is out of a 92 Ranger 2.9 4x4 with the m5r1. Also would the input shafts be the same or am I going to need a different one of those too?

 

[Taragon]

The cluster gears are the same length regardless of the type trans (2.3/2.9 or the 4.0)

Input shafts are the same across the board. Same splines, and teeth count and everything. Some say they are different, but I dare someone to show me the difference.

You need a cluster from a 2.3/2.0/3.0 version

I may have one...it may have a slight amount of surface rust, but its not burned. I'll count the teeth tonight and get back to you. If its what you need...I'll just swap you even...deal?