I'm going the fix the 1st -2nd gear synchros. Got my factory service manual out, transmission on the bench and I can't seem to split the trans. case. I've popped the silicone gasket bead all the way around by tapping wood wedges into a narrow opening but it doesn't seem to want to go any farther than 1/8" - 1/4" or so. Is there anything besides the 12 case bolts that is holding it together? Don't want to break anything. Any tips on getting this thing open?

If you read the FSM correctly, you would see that the case needs to be angled to accomodate the 5th gear from sticking. So, tip the whole tranny in the appropriate direction and it should pull out with a little wiggling and some pressure.

Hope this helps.

A big one - don't forget the snap ring on the top.. it seems like there might have even been two of them. without removing it you'll never get the case open.

THEN you have to remove the case at an angle like blackb13 says. Just tilt it (I think they even have a drawing in the fsm), wiggle it and pull hard it will come right apart.

A big one - don't forget the snap ring on the top.. it seems like there might have even been two of them. without removing it you'll never get the case open.

THEN you have to remove the case at an angle like blackb13 says. Just tilt it (I think they even have a drawing in the fsm), wiggle it and pull hard it will come right apart.


DING DING DING!!!!! TWO snap rings, those bastards. :D

Thanks guys. Step One in the FSM doesn't mention the snap rings.