Bearing On It's Way Out?

[ihatelaramie]

Just this last week I noticed that in 3rd gear(T19), between 1800-2300rpm, I hear something that sounds a lot like a mouse's feet running across a bare floor, if that makes sense. It started out just an occasional "chirp", but now it does it everytime I'm in 3rd. Someone said it might be a synchro going out, but I'm kinda thinking it's a bearing...
I just need someone to tell me how screwed I am...

 

[crazy4wdracer]

I'd think that if it was a synchro going out it would make noise once it was already in 3rd gear. My T-19 makes a grinding noise while I'm in 3rd if I don't hold the shifter all the way forward, if I let go of the stick while it's in 3rd it makes this grinding noise. Maybe it's just the shifter vibrating, I'm not really sure.

 

[icanfixall]

Heve you checked the oil level in the trans... It might be something simple too like a universal joint or center support bearing on the drive shaft....

 

[ihatelaramie]

Sorry I should have worded that different; it does it while in gear. No other symptoms, but easy engagement, and smooth shifting.

 

[ihatelaramie]

Oil leaks out when you pull the fill, and it's nearly as clean as it was when I filled it a year ago. No center support bearing, and the u-joints look to be good but I suppose anything is possible..

 

[ihatelaramie]

So now it's getting worse-go figure.. I was quoted $1200 for a guy to do all the work to pull it and rebuild it, but I don't have that kind of money. My alternate would be to just swap in a used one, unless it is something stupid simple. I'm gonna pull the side covers in the morning. Anything in particular I should be checking for?

BTW, anyone in the Houston area got a good T19 just lying around?

 

[Diesel JD]

Forget that guy that wanted 1200 for a rebuild. Supposedly even non mechanics and folks with less skill than the most advanced hobbiers can build a T18/19. Also you can grab any T18, T19 or NP435 so long as you use your diesel bellhousing and it is in a Ford not an IH or something else. Your own rebuild would cost a lot of your time olus a couple hundred for bearings synchro rings and gaskets. If there's hard parts damage juts junk it and get a beater, they are hard to damage too badly and a ton of them are in junk yards usually cheap.