I might be getting a JDM cable tranny very soon and I'd like to know if there is any way to inspect the tranny visually while its off the car to see what if anything needs replacing (bearings, syncros, etc.). Any ideas?

 

not the easiest thing to do, you're pretty much going to buy this on a 50/50 chance. But from my experiences, i can give you one or two tips to better your odds. first : take one hand and place it on the back side of the tranny by the mount, and with the other grab the mainshaft(where the clutch slides in) and try to pull it in and out to check for any amount of play. if there is no play(in and out motion) the main shaft bearing are still in good shape, if there is play the main bearings are shot and there might be more bad berings that need replacing. second: if there is no free play in the shaft, grab a hold of the selector rod(where the shifter pull and pushes for the gears) and switch gears while turning the mainshaft to check for drag in the bearings. if no drag or dry spots are felt, most of the bearings as well as the selector forks inside the tranny are in good shape. since there is no way of checking to see if the synchros are good, without running the tranny in the car, you're last option is to crack the case and do a visual inspection on the gears, and the synchros! good luck