Noisy 5th Gear in L52

[Bob Garrett]

My 83 with the L52 tranny is noisy in 5th gear only. Noise is somewhat louder when accelerating. Rest of the gears are quiet and no other problems. Tranny has about 250k on it. Am I looking at a full rebuild or is it possible there is just a bad bearing that could be replaced? Does this noise mean impending doom    or will it last for a while if I dont' mind the noise? 

Since I'm running stock diff gears (4.10) with 33s it hasn't been a big deal, since I don't use 5th much, but I am swapping in 5.29s soon and will be able to use 5th again and need to decide if this is something that needs immediate attention.

TIA,

Bob

[79coyotefrg]

sounds like the 5th bearing is toast, stay in 4th or pull it and get a rebuild kit

[Bob Garrett]

At 250k, I suppose it's probably overdue for a rebuild. As far as I can tell, I don't think it's ever been opened up.

Thanks, Glen

[79coyotefrg]

you can get a rebuild kit from marlin for $180 and do it yourself or get a L52HD  and send yours in as a core,

[Marlin]

Right on Glen

I would bet that the small 5th gear is chipped as a result of excessive mainshaft endplay.
It is time for a rebuild or upgrade to my L52HD.

In the meantime, change the oil being sure to use 80/90 GL5 gear oil.
By staying out of 5th, you can properly get some more miles out of it.

Marlin

[79coyotefrg]

   Marlin gave me a beer,     

[Bob Garrett]

Right on Glen

I would bet that the small 5th gear is chipped as a result of excessive mainshaft endplay.
It is time for a rebuild or upgrade to my L52HD.

Thanks, Marlin.    Is a replacement gear included in the rebuild kit or would I need to buy it seperately? 

In the meantime, change the oil being sure to use 80/90 GL5 gear oil.
By staying out of 5th, you can properly get some more miles out of it.

Marlin

Currently running 80w/90. Have 33" tires with 4.10s, so 5th doesn't get used much. But that will change when I regear, so that's why I looking at what needs to be done. My preference would be one of your L52HD units, but I'lll have to see how much money is left after paying the Christmas bills.

[Marlin]

Quit buying all that Christmas crap

And save some money for a H/D

The 5th gear is not included in the rebuild kit, and I would advise removing the top cover, inspecting the shifting forks, and after removing the rear extensition housing, inspect both 5th speed gears as well.

A matched pair of gears..$50.00

[Bob Garrett]

Quit buying all that Christmas crap

And save some money for a H/D

Good idea! I'll pass that suggestion along to the wifey. 

The 5th gear is not included in the rebuild kit, and I would advise removing the top cover, inspecting the shifting forks, and after removing the rear extensition housing, inspect both 5th speed gears as well.

A matched pair of gears..$50.00

Thanks for the info, Marlin 

Bob