leaking chevy 3 speed

the stock 3 speed manual in my 59 chevy pickup has developed a leak where the tail section of the tranny bolts to the case. I've never had a tranny apart before so I don't know how to proceed. After I drop the tranny, can I just unbolt the tailshaft from the case and slide it back? Is there anything I need to watch out for? Supporting the shaft itself? Bearings ect.

Any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
59chev

 

I suggest you pull the tranny out to work on it, the rear bearing is retained in the tailhousing with a snap ring, and if you try to pull the tail off it will take the mainshaft and half the gears with it, and drop needle bearings into the bottom of the trans.

get a manual also...if you can't find one (check the library for the 54-63 Chilton's manual for domestic cars), let me know I'll scan and email you the needed pages.

 

Thanks Squirrel, I'll go pick up a manual tommorow.