M20 condition question.

[Gamecock66]

I am assesing what needs to be done to an M20 muncie that I just bought. All the gears and shafts look good and the trannie shifts and turns smoothly. The syncro's do show some wear. The output shaft is tight with no slop. The input shaft(Motor side) Has some play in it up and down and laterally. Is this normal or should it be tight? Figuring that the bearing might be worn.

Thanks
Wade

[riverhorse59]

Some play as you describe is normal.Was the transmission scrapping going into gear or jumping out of any gear. if theres signs of a lot of wear,now is the time to put new syncro's in. Someone good can do it pretty quick. It would take me all day as its been years

[Gamecock66]

Unfortunately I don't know the history on the trannie. I bought it off of ebay. The seller said that it shifted smooth when he had it. Again the inside wear does not look to bad. I figure I will try my hand at rebuilding it myself. I have done the engine, trannie, and everything else on my Vette so it can't be that hard.

Thanks
Blackrat

[Bob Parmenter]

You'll be best off to get an overhaul kit, synchros, bearings, thrust washers, seals and so forth. While the seller may have told the truth about shifting smoothly, it's what he didn't say that may be at issue. If the shaft bearings are marginal she'll howl at the moon and sun. If the synchros are worn it'll likely jump out of gear on deceleration. So while you've got it out of the car you might as well freshen it up and prevent future grief.

[Gamecock66]

Great info thanks guys.

Wade