I was thinking earlier and I don't think it had a thrust washer... how big is the washer on these things??

holy F ! something is seriously wrong with that ! PULL IT !

there should be 2 torrington bearing, thrust plate between the 2 bearing, a Big plate to cover it, and a spacer right at the center.

but either way ! it shouldn't have THAT MUCH free play ! wtf ? I can't imagine ...

The front stack consists of 2 needle bearings, thrust plate, the spacer/collar, and another washer type deal. but even it you stacked together it wouldnt equal that much play.

I'm thinking of some really cool things that could cause it but none of them really make much sense. Like the e shaft snapping in half, the flywheel bolt breaking off.

Even if you replaced every component in that stack you still could be looking at engine issues. Plus you wouldn't solve the underlying issue.

That thing is fucked.

yea its wild and the craziest thing is that it ran perfect, no noise at all... I'll get it all pulled apart and get some pics, thanks for the not so great sounding comments guys lol

LOL no worries! Keep us updated this is very interesting.

I just wanted to post a thank you for putting up the manual. Im prepping to do a full motor rebuild and a turbo install and i couldn't find this damn manual to save a chickens life. Anyway. Thanks a bunch. i'll be watchin this thread as it plays out. Their is nothing in my head that is making sense for his issue aside from mabye a spacer is missing?

Um, once you removed the front bolt, the shaft is free to move and that play is normal. You need to read the manual to figure out how to reassemble the front stack properly. and tighten the bolt to measure endplay. Endplay should be around 1.5-3 thou. Make sure you understand how the front stack works before doing anything or you might damage the needle bearings. Rebuilding the motor has nothing to do with the front stack.

thewird