So after getting my R151 gear shafts back together, I've gone to check the countershaft fifth thrust clearance, only to discover that it is over double the max. allowable clearance. I've pulled everything back off the end of the countershaft and found some damage that I must have missed when I tore it down.
Countershaft 5th gear - quite a bit of wear where the thrust washer face should be.
Thrust Washer - damaged where the ball recess is. Also some wear inside.
The surface of the countershaft where the thrust washer sits. You can see the two raised sections which relate to the cutouts on the thrust washer. I gather these are meant to be flat though am not 100% on that.
So now I have to decide how to move forward and have a few questions I'm hoping someone can answer.
Do I need a new countershaft or is that how it should look? From a quick look at some parts photos I believe it should be a flat surface, which would make sense.
I have been ordering from Partsouq who do not have the thrust washer in stock, so called local Toyota parts and they've told me its a 4+ week wait from Japan and 4 times the price (no surprise there). There is a newer style thrust washer, which has a pin rather than a ball, does anyone know if the washers are interchangeable?
C/S 5th also isn't available (there are two types and neither are in stock) - would an AX15 countershaft 5th gear work with my main shaft or would I need to change the corresponding gear up top?
I've just come across some info that shows two "Cluster Shafts" with the difference being 28mm or 30mm 5th journal, I will have to measure and see what one I have once I get home tonight.
So frustrating to be so close to completion and then this. Hoping to get it resolved without throwing too much more cash at this thing.