reluctantly rebuilding my '48 trans......help?

I pulled and send my trans and tx case to a recommended trans rebuilder near me with a Novak rebuild kit. It was not shifting into 2nd and felt like the synchro was bad..... 9 months later, still no trans back and he's been dodging my calls...

I finally got ahold of him today and he is bringing me back the trans and tx case tonight. Assuming I get all of the parts I sent, back, I am going to try it myself.

This is the most complicated thing I have done on the jeep so far:
http://www.wjowsa.com/carstuff/1948-willys-starter-bendix-repair-and-replacement/

I am afraid to try this myself but I have the rebuild kit and new 2nd gear from novak conversions and will be following their directions:

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t90.htm

I'm extremely nervous of making what will surely be a pile of parts, a worse mess. has anyone else worked from these directions with success?? Antone know a good pro or shadetree jeep trans guy in Utah that might take on the job instead?

G

Just courious,was the recommended rebuilder just some dude with an empty spot in his garage,or are you talking a reputable mechanic?After 9 months I would worry I would be missing parts.

Oldwillys wrote: Just courious,was the recommended rebuilder just some dude with an empty spot in his garage,or are you talking a reputable mechanic?After 9 months I would worry I would be missing parts.

He is an experienced transmission guy that left working a trans shop to pursue other interests, but still took in work on the side. We own a car shop and have sent him work before and did fine, but not this last one.

Garp, everything will be ok. Everyone here that has worked on their tranny/transfer cases will offer info. Do a search on this site for rebuilding transmission and transfer case. Try different search words and read everything you find. 

That would be a good move if the thought of doing it yourself is overwhelming 

Garp wrote: Oldwillys wrote: Just courious,was the recommended rebuilder just some dude with an empty spot in his garage,or are you talking a reputable mechanic?After 9 months I would worry I would be missing parts. He is an experienced transmission guy that left working a trans shop to pursue other interests, but still took in work on the side. We own a car shop and have sent him work before and did fine, but not this last one.

If I had taken it apart I might feel better about it. Today he dropped off my novak kit, a box of small parts and the main shaft. Has to go to his shop in another town to 'find the rest of it'. that doesn't sound promising.

I hope you get all the parts back but if not they can be bought. Just buy another complete tranny/transfer cases and use what you need and save the left overs.

Novak called today, apparently it isn't a T86 either.. It's a T84! Also, does anyone know the correct parts for the Transfer case brake pads, the ones I see pictures for don't look like the units I have in the pic.

I'm a little curious what your jeep actually is... Is it a CJ2A or a WWII jeep? (Bellcrank on axle or on the frame, machine gun mount or no?) Lots of guys with real t-90's in their old WWII jeep would love to have a T84 to make it stock.. I wouldn't rebuild a t-84 to put into a CJ2A as the T-90 is far superior and lasts a lot longer..   That is the earlier external band parking brake you have there too....that is WWII and not 2A.

I agree with Carl.. T-90 and D 18 from a 2A with a drum style parking brake with shoes INSIDE the drumis what you need to be putting back into that jeep.

Edited by F Bill - 15 Apr. 2014 at 3:33pm