I don't know how you feel about the DYI thing when it comes to gears, some people don't like the idea of working on transmissions. If the DYI transmission fix idea isn't something that you would rather leave to someone else, here are some resources:
A T5 rebuild kit with syncros, bearings and other small parts costs about $160-$200. It does not include any gears or shafts.
Home | www.hanlonmotorsports.com 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.
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.”
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. Halon 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.
Getting the car jacked up high enough to get the trans jack in and out from under the car was somewhat challenging. Since I didn't have a helper, getting the trans out of the car and back it was one of the more difficult things about the job. I built a trans jack out of 2x6's, some angle iron and a $25 floor jack. If I hadn't done that, I would have needed a helper or to rent a commercial trans jack. At 100+ pounds the Tremec 3550 was far too heavy for me to lift by myself.
I personally have no issue cracking open a rear diff or building a complete motor but for some reason am terrified of opening up a transmission. To each there own there. I'm likely to tackle my next t5 project myself. It may end up costing me money in the form of a screw up but at least I will have learned and become more self reliant.
I think you have to look at it as risk/reward.
Parts for a small parts rebuild are like $200, places will rebuild it for $250 (barring unforeseen major damage).
So is it worth the risk to save $250? If you like doing it and you have the patience and attention to detail, go for it, if you get frustrated easy and just slap things back together, leave it to a professional.
I think you have to look at it as risk/reward.
Parts for a small parts rebuild are like $200, places will rebuild it for $250 (barring unforeseen major damage).
So is it worth the risk to save $250? If you like doing it and you have the patience and attention to detail, go for it, if you get frustrated easy and just slap things back together, leave it to a professional.
There is nothing hard about rebuilding a T5. They literally do just slap together. Most mainshaft parts only go on one way, so its hard to screw up. Its so easy a novice should have no problems doing it.
I learned by way of a donated t-5 all blown up. Took it apart, saw what went bad, took my time repairing it with new rebuild kit and used gears....and as far as I know it's still alive and kicking in a 93 Cobra.
The biggest thing with rebuilding the transmission is taking your time and paying attention to how things come apart. Also, don't try to force things. If something isn't moving or sliding correctly, there is a problem. I agree with jrichker, the video is well worth it. You might just spend the money on it first and decide after seeing it whether or not you are up to the task.