T56 Input Shaft Lateral Play

SilverGT1

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I am installing a used T56. The end play looks OK as far a I can tell. Very, very minute in-out end play (almost undetectable with out an indicator) . However, there is a fair amount of lateral side to side / up and down movement. As best I can measure with my McGyver'ed digital indicator, there is about 0.015" of play.

I have looked at loads of posts on the web. As you would expect for the T56, mostly from various GM forums. I can find everything from "it is irrelevant" to "bearings are shot".

The general consensus though seems that on a T56, this type of movement is normal and as long as the end play is in spec, all is well.

But, I can not find anything that actually specifies this. Even my workshop service manual only calls out the spec for the in - out end play.

If you have a professional opinion, I would should like to hear it.
 
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P49Y-CY

fomocomofo
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i have always noticed a lot of lateral play on both my transmissions' input shafts when i do my clutches and tob's. i don't think that it is a very important measurement. mine is not a professional opinion, but both of my t-56's were rebuilt/upgraded by my local tremec dealer many years ago, and both have a lot of miles both of them without issues.

as you say, the measurement isn't specified in the manual, and also i think that the input shaft is secured laterally by the pilot bearing.

from what i understand though, the end play measurement is very important and you can burn up your input shaft quickly if there is too much end play.
 

SilverGT1

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Thanks for the feedback. It is just interesting to know. FWIW, I have a TR3650 that I checked when I checked the T56 today. It has very, very little lateral play or end play. I know, completely different transmission but that is just another thing that gave me concern.
 

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