Gearbox re-build or am I wasting my time?

[51rider]

I have the transaxle out to replace the clutch.
I took the opportunity to clean the transaxle and replace the seals as a precautionary measure.
The clean seems to have distubed something and I discovered a geabox oil leak. A new seal is required but further disassembly pf the transaxle was required.
I wont mention about The Torrey Canyon sized oil spill that occurred despite having drained the gearbox of that foul smelling gear oil (even when new).
Anyway, I have discovered that the differential output bearings are shot and the main gearbox bearing in the gear cluster has pitting on the rollers.
The Output shaft bearings are not stupid money but the other one is. Having shopped around I did get it for a very good price but still rather unpleasant.
I can likley do the diff output bearings myself with a bit of assistance. The main bearing is another story and I am just wondering if I am chasing my tail yet again and I would be better off sourcing a good used box? Would still do all the regular seals and bearings.
Or I just continue with the rebuild and don't worry about the slightly pitted rollers and put it back together?

[tr7v8]

Whilst it would offend me admitting defeat I'd source another box. Then change the output seals before fitting it. Check the gearbox mount, linkage & driveshaft CVs before fitting it as well.

[51rider]

Thanks for your reply Jim.
I have a new gearbox mount to fit as well as new CV's and the linkage is to be replaced with a short shift kit.

I think it is the not wanting to admit defeat element as well as being so hacked off with all the time and money spent thus far to get back to square one!

[scam75]

I recall the pinion bearing is silly money from my turbo s gearbox escapades a few years back, about £300/£400 I think. As you say the rest of the bearings and seals aren't too terrible.

After I put together a "frankenbox" from 2 and a half turbo boxes, all new bearings and seals except the pinion bearing, it was alright but never perfect. I lucked out on a fairly recently overhauled turbo s gearbox from a fire damaged turbo s and just bought that and I'm much happier with it. The sale of the frankenbox very nearly covered the purchase of the new box, so that was fortunate.

I think what I'm saying is yes, look for a decent 2nd hand box that is in good nick or has had a rebuild. Standard boxes seem to go for £100 to £300. Of course you are likely buying blind unless it comes out a running car you can try or its from someone you know and trust. Likely to be somewhat of a gamble.

You could even make your own frankenbox with the best bits from your old box and the one you acquire if need be.

A nice new linkage (short shift best) plus a new shift lever and bearing (kits are about £50 from someone in the UK like Waleswood on ebay) will transform your gear shift, assuming you don't have a worn selector rod. If the selector rod is worn where the shift lever connects to it, invest in a Only9 shifter kit from the states for about £100. At 175k miles my shifter rod was perfectly fine for what its worth so the £50 option was spot on. My newly acquired box came with an almost new billet short shift on it, a definite Brucie bonus!

Stuart