Hi Frank,


Just a quick follow up on 'the project', and a 'thanks' for your help. The job went pretty well. The new ring gear went on without a fight. We put the flywheel in the freezer for a couple of hours, to shrink it (maybe) a millimeter or so in diameter. The Factory manual recommends putting the ring gear in a over to expand. We didn't have access to an over. The FSM specifically states avoiding using a torch, so as to not soften the tempering of the teeth. My idea was to use two heavy duty heat guns. After about 10 minutes of heat, the ring gear dropping onto the flywheel without much effort. That was cause for celebration. All the techs watching over our shoulders were impressed!



The only problem occurred when we tried to install the two new MB bushings into the primary pump and onto the planetary carrier shaft. The dimension of each bushing was too small (probably by only hundredths of an inch) to accommodate the OD of the shaft. They were factory MB and the correct part number. We ended up driving the old bushings back in.



All dry. The primary pump seals did the job. (Actually, the old inner seal was leaking more than the outer, so we pulled the bell housing, as I thought we probably should.)


Appreciate all your info and help!


Regards,
Mark