1987 T5 Goes Into Gear Without Cluthc While Running Wont Move

When you removed the input shaft to replace the bearing retainer, did you shim the bearing according to the Service Manual instructions?

What did you do to keep the loose needle bearings from falling out when you put the input shaft back in place? The normal process is to pack them in place with some white grease.

See Tremec to download a FREE service manual for T5 or Tremec 3550/TKO
You will need the Adobe Acrobat viewer which is also a free download – Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Install for all versions

See Welcome to Hanlon Motorsports! | Hanlon Motorsports or D&D Performance for parts

A T5 rebuild kit with syncros, bearings and other small parts costs about $160-$200. It does not include any gears or shafts.

Welcome to Hanlon Motorsports! | Hanlon Motorsports also has a video on how to rebuild your T5 or Tremec. It costs about $20, and is worth every penny of it.

I did a Tremec 3550 rebuild, and it wasn't that difficult. The video was an immense help, and I would recommend viewing it. At $20, it will give you an opportunity to look and decide for yourself if you think that it is something you want to try to do.

Alternate sources for the T5 rebuild video...
t-5 transmission rebuild video - Google Search

T5 Shim kits – best product I have seen in a while… T5 World Class 5 Speed Shims
“The Peel ‘n Place T5 World Class shim kit makes shimming T5 counter gear and main drive gears very easy.”

For Tremec 3550 and TKO's:
You will also need a magnetic base and dial indicator to measure the endplay ($40-$120). MSC Industrial Supply Co. | Find Power Tools, Hand Tools, Machine Tools & More P/N 06444129 cost was approximately $57 + shipping as of Feb 2013


The tricky part is that you will need some shims to adjust the endplay in the two shafts: the new bearings will change the clearance. There is no way of telling what it will be until you get to the point that it is time to measure and check the clearances. Hanlon has the individual shims if you can wait for them. If you can't afford the wait, the auto parts store can sell you some shim stock and you can make your own, or have a machine shop make them for you. The shim stock comes in brass (easy to cut) and steel, in varying thicknesses. That's where the dial indicator & base come in - there is no way to get the clearance right without it.