[s-cars] 5 spd 1st gear noise issue - some interesting points of reference

[Krasusky Paul (WQQ2PXK)]

As we all know, 1st gear problems in UrS cars can manifest themselves via a
few different noises.  On the '95s at least, it has long been suspected that
galling of the mainshaft creates the 'bearing' type 'whir' noise while
trolling in 1st gear (as opposed to cars that sound like they have a card in
a bicycle's spokes).  I think Charlie Smith is credited with this
supposition.

I finally had my noisy 5 speed torn down at a tranny shop, and certain
enough, yup, pitting has occurred on the mainshaft.  Estimate for rebuild is
$2,162.00, not including the 9 hours labor for removal / installation,
hardware, etc.  So this is likely a $2,600-$3,000 job easy.  

Thought I'd share with you something which many of us had long suspected,
and put it into some $ terms for anyone who should end up in this boat.
Mine reared at about 90k, but Rossato's came on about 50k (coincidentally
after I drove it, go figure?), so it varies.

HTH, be happy to try and field any Q's.  I've become a bit enlightened over
the last 12 months of researching this project and have finally made some
progress.

-Paul