SIII gearbox input shaft freeplay

There's normally quite a bit of lateral play. If you're doing a rebuild, you could change the bearing whilst you're at it. If just swapping a box, it'll be fine - all the one's I've dealt with have had a noticable amount, yet still run quietly.

Thanks Andy - I've just bolted back together - I've replaced all the bearings seals and some cogs.... There is a distance piece mentioned in the book that is available in three sizes. I've just used the one I've got as I'm not sure what it was like before I started. By "lateral" do you mean "in-out" or "rotational"? Jon

You'll get both. The designed internal clearances in the bearing (even when new) will show as quite pronounced movement at the front end of the shaft. You will find that it has an "in-out" motion and a "conical/lateral" motion.

As Andy says - if it was quiet to begin with or you've fitted a new bearing, all will be well.

Dougal