Ok, so I want to take the T56 out of my LT1 Camaro and put it in my brother's LS1 Camaro. I already have the T56 rebuild manual from shoebox's site. My bro's tranny is on it's way out, but mine was rebuilt by Six Speeds Inc.

All I want to do is swap the front plate and input shaft. How hard is it to check the preload, and what other tools will I need besides a dial indicator? I do not have a press, but I don't think I need it for what I'm doing. Thanks.

(Oh, and please no random speculation or questions about why I'm doing this, just experienced answers, thanks)

 

If you don't put a new bearing and race on the input shafts, make sure you swap the bearings on the mainshaft too. It is not good practice to mix used bearing with used races. Keep them together. Ive rebuilt both LT1 and LS1 T56's, as well as a cobra t56, it should be a straight swap. It could be a bitch getting the shift fork assemblies in the front plate. When you build a t56, the front plate usually gets assembled first, in other words, everything builds off the front plate. You may want to have the input shaft always facing up during your swap to ease everything. Good luck You can PM me if you have any ?'s

 

I rebuilt my own. It was an LS1 T56 and I converted it to an LT1 T56.

Look at that special tool at the back of the rebuild manual. It is used to check how many shims you will need. Get the size of the thread on the end of that tool and just buy a piece of threaded rod at least as long as that tool. Stick it into the holes they tell you with the cailper on the other end and push on the rod. It will let you know if you need to add or remove shims. Worked great for me.

The race for the input shaft requires a special race remover. I would leave it if you do not feel any groves on it with your finger. I think it's more important to replace the bearings though. They are moving parts unlike the race.

Btw, I bought a press with a stand at Harbor Freight for $99.
Good luck and welcome to the board.

JD