T5Z Input Bearing

Okay guys, finishing up my 5 lug disc conversion. I've decided while its in the air, I might as well try to tackle the whine I get in 1st through 3rd gears. Trans shifts fine and no grinds, so I want to try just replacing the input bearings and not a whole rebuild. The reason: I want to upgrade trans in the next year or so and don't want to put $500-$600 bucks in this one, plus I don't think it really needs a full rebuild.

I've done a LOT of internet searching and feel fairly confident that I can simply pull the input shaft by only removing the bearing retainer. I will have a shop remove and replace the old bearing that is on the shaft. The pic I posted below is not my picture, but I believe it is representative of the other input bearing that is on the main shaft. Is is not loose roller bearings, but rather the "Cobra tapered bearing". After talking with a few T5 rebuild companies, it is my belief that this tapered bearing is the culprit.

My question is this: Can I replace this Cobra bearing without pulling the entire mainshaft from the trans? If I have to take the entire trans apart, then I might as well do a rebuild while I'm in there. I am hoping to be able to replace all these parts by simply pulling the bearing retainer and then the input shaft. Am I off base here? Can it be done in this manner?

Thanks in advance!

Anyone?

Hey man, thanks for the reply. The only thing I'm worried about is that the Z-spec uses a caged bearing that is pressed onto the output shaft, which you see is still in the trans in the pic you posted. I went to Ford today in an attempt to locate the bearings. The tapered bearing that is special to Cobra T5's and z-specs in no longer carried by Ford. The dealer in the next town over had one left in stock....for $64!!! Anyways, going to pull trans in next week or so, I will try to post some pics of the bearings if they are in fact shot.

Thanks again man!

Joe