I have a couple pics to share of the little work area and press at http://www.mainstreamperformance.com that they let me use:

gears pressed on and countershaft nut secured at 80ft-lb + staked:


press:


mess with schlode of oem honda tranny parts:



Anyway, I'm on the home stretch: double checked clearances today with the help of a friend:

mainshaft seal + countershaft and mainshaft bearings pressed into the case with letter sides facing up:


checking clearances between 2nd and 3rd gears on the countershaft:


checking clearances between the shim and 1st gear on the countershaft:


checking clearances on the shift forks:


I'd have the case back together right now BUT it looks like I need to replace the 3-4 shift fork and 5-r shift fork. =(

the helms has all of the acceptable clearance specs, which I can post if you like.

but basically, there is an acceptable thickness for the shift forks. this is a tranny from a 98 itr and it has seen its' fair share of miles. although it had previously been freshened up with a 4.9 final drive and new ats lsd + new diff bearings, we noticed at that time it would need to have the shift forks replaced the next time it was opened up.

sure enough, mic'ing it revealed that the 3-4 and 5-r shift fork would indeed need to be replaced. they are at or beyond the 'service limit' thickness in the helms. another good rule of thumb is to see if there is scarring on the shift forks where they touch the selector rings. if the wear is visible, but can't be 'felt' with a fingertip or fingernail, then it is ok. these had enough wear that you can feel it and the micrometers don't lie. since i'm replacing just about everything else in the tranny anyway, i'm going to replace these couple of shift forks. =)

I order from baranco acura's online site, and pick up from Len.