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I need to replace the speedo gear in the transmission tail piece on my 76. The speedo works when I turn the cable with a drill. I have installed a new plastic gear in the side of the transmission but speedo still doesn't work. Next thing to check is the gear inside the transmission.
How difficult/what's involved in removing the transmission tail piece?
Before you remove the trans tail, take a look at the drive gear (a flashlight will do) and see if its worn down or chewed. If it looks OK, check to make sure the driven gear you're installing is the correct size (toothwise) for your housing....there are a couple sizes (ranges) and the correct range is stamped on the housiings. The wrong size gear in a housing may not properly mate against the drive gear. Also make sure your cable fits and does not "spin" in your driven gear. If all is still OK, make sure the housing with gear installed is properly oriented into the trans (I believe there are marks that line you up).
I've never removed a trans tail myself, but have seen it done and reassembled in shops in a couple of hours by tranny guys who always remove the trans. Maybe someone could chime in with more info. Just sometimes you can spot a problem that can save you the work.
Just replaced my drive gear in my 81 with a 700r4. It can be done without removing the trans. I had to remove the crossmember, front yoke on the drive shaft and lower the exhuast pipes from the manifolds. It took me about 2 hours to do, just watch out for the retaining clip that holds the gear to the shaft, its spring steel and will shoot a long way,,,,don't ask how I know this, have a new one just in case before you start. Its not as bad a job as I make it sound. Did mine in drive with car on stands, I'm a bit thicker in the middle than I used to be so had to get the car way up in the air.
Good luck,
Bill
Be sure and check that your cable is really engaging the driven gear before you mess with the drive gear or you'll be calling yourself alot of nasty names after all that work.
Update - Removed tail cone yesterday. I was able to remove it with the transmission still in the car. Once the drive shaft was removed and out of the way, there was plenty of room to remove it. Didn't even have to move the exhaust pipes.
The clip on my speedo drive gear had came loose. The gear had slipped on the shaft and was about 1" to the rear of where it should be.