Hi All

I am in the middle of rebuilding my LS tranny out of my 94 teg, but the differential bearings that came in the rebuild kit I bought are not enclosed. Just to be clear, I am NOT referring to the tapered design of bearings. These are ball bearing design, but no enclosure on one side of the bearing. Can anyone give reason for or against using them anyway? I am holding up re-assembly until I can get this figured out one way or the other.

Also, I have a LOT of wear on the reverse idler and reverse gear, but the rest of the tranny is pretty pristine (after 180,000 miles). I was getting a growling noise in 1st and 2nd, but those bearings are smooth as silk. And the reverse gear is an integral part of the changer for 1st and 2nd. Could the reverse idler gear be somehow rubbing up against the reverse gear while I am in 1st and 2nd? From the amount of wear on them, it sure looks that way...

 

To be even more clear, BOTH sides of these diff bearings are open, no enclosures on either side.

 

My main concern is that the tranny fluid will leak out of the output shaft seals. The seals are half submerged in the taper roller bearing design, so it shouldn't be a problem, but wanted to see if anyone could offer a second opinion?

 

I just heard from transparts warehouse, the supplier of the kit. They say it will work perfectly, so maybe my concerns are unfounded. I will post if it turns out bad.

 

Yeah I was going to say that the seals should keep the fluid from leaking out. As for the rubbing problem Im sorry but I dont think I could help any since I cant see exactly what you are talking about.

 

I thought that the LS differentials always had the ball bearings. Do you have a Helm manual? IN VTEC has a final drive installation thread that may help.

 

Sometimes the tapered roller bearing are referred to as "open", and I didn't want to confuse anyone. I have a helms manual. Thanks for your help all.