Where are you guys sourcing manual transmission parts?

[SLOWnEASY]

Full disclosure this is Honda related not Bronco related. But my 19 year old sons' manual trans in his Honda just had the input shaft bearing go out. I started down the path of just buying a rebuilt transmission. But it's hard to spend $1,500 for a $2,000 car.

So I figured this is a great opportunity to share some knowledge and get some bonding time with my son. The transmission is out and I'm going to replace the bearings and synchros. My question though is where do you guys go for decent rebuild parts or kits? I'm looking for something like an all bearings and synchros kit since the gears all look fine. I don't want to just go to Amazon for the cheapest Chinese parts. I'd rather source from a supplier that people have used. I'm in north San Diego if anybody knows a local brick and mortar I can visit, if not I'll just order online.

It's been 30 years since I've rebuilt a transmission so wish me luck. And back then I had full shop access to a parts washer and a press. Next step I guess I need to go get a Harbor Freight 20 ton press to let me get the gear sets apart and back together.

And then figure out how to get the years of gunk off the housing withoug making a huge mess in the yard. All I know is this one is going to take more that a couple cans of brake cleaner.

Thanks guys I appresiate any information you can throw my way.

 

[gnpenning]

Heavy grease/oil accumulation I use a putty knife etc to get the big stuff the pressure washing is less messy.

Are the synchros bad in the upper gears? Reverse (if it has synchros), 1,2 and maybe 3rd are what I recall being the ones that needed replacement.

Have you checked the Honda forums for parts suggestions?

Great project for the 2 of you.

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Thanks for the reply gnpenning. I guess I assumed that only one or two suppliers carried parts for all makes of like 30 years ago when I last touched a transmission . We did browse the Honda forums and there were a lot of recommendations for Synchtotech so I'll probably be ordering a kit from there.
And thanks for the advise on using the putty knife. I was getting close to just hitting the case with a pressure washer. But it makes more sense to scrape the majority of the gunk off first.
As a real positive I bought a Harbor Freight 20 ton hydraulic press and bearing splitter. I've wanted a press for easily 30 years. After this one use of splitting the main and input shaft clusters apart I'm already asking myself why I ever waited so long.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Love those projects that result in getting the tool you have been wanting, but couldn't justify. All of a sudden it makes sense to buy it.
Got myself a nice flaring tool, cable crimper, HVAC hose crimper, and a few more. Just because I finally needed it for that one project. I have not used the hose crimper for a second project, yet. But all the others, used on multiple projects after finally needing them that one time.

 

[gnpenning]

Congratulations on the new toy/tool. Plenty of videos for modifying those presses. Big fan of the air/hydraulic pumps and using a foot valve. Like air/hydraulic on engine hoist as well.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[tasker]

https://www.transmissionpartsdistributors.com/

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Thanks Tasker I'll check it out.