Is there a way to check if a manual trans is good uninstalled?

[Cynxe]

Im getting a manual trans from a friend but i want to see if its good before i install it. Is there a way?

 

[oneslowwdsm]

You can go through the gears manually on top of the trans, check for input shaft play make sure it's tight, inspect bell housing for surface cracks, pull drain and fill plug stick your finger inside the hole () to check for metal shavings. You can also check the axle splines make sure they are in good shape. Not sure if theres anything else..

 

[luv2rallye]

When going through all the gears, turn the input shaft (using a clutch disc helps) to make sure the axle splines turn ok - smooth, no crunching, not stuck, not too much play. Make sure the sleeve (T.O. bearing rides on this) that the input shaft goes through isn't cracked where it attaches to the bell housing. Also test for excessive select lever play due to the select lever shoe being worn down: http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/97-gs-t-fifth-gear-grinding-help.376341/#post-152266167.

 

[pauleyman]

You can check the above items but you cannot guarantee how it will shift. Even a worn synchro will shift with no load on it.
If the input shaft has axial play there is a good bet the others do also.

 

[92AWDHX40]

1. I learned that the hard way had to tear it down once that was done found damage at synchro and gear wear.

 

[donniekak]

The most I will pay for a used trans I've never seen operate, is $100-$200 for the value of it as a core. Even a shep/jacks/tmz stage eleventy million with paperwork can be ruined in a few hundred miles.

Also, I never just install a used engine, or trans in a car. It's much easier to find any problems on an engine stand, or bench before going through the hassle of installing the item, only to find out it doesn't work properly.

I would take the trans apart, and at least install $200 worth of synchros, and the intermediate shaft bearings. You'll want to open the center diff up as well and inspect the shims under the gears. Many of them by now have the shim under the cap gear destroyed allowing to much clearance, leading to center diff failure.