so checked my input shaft and there is play side to side. is this normal? i can also get a lil play in and out not much though.. heres a video..August 14, 2012 9:50 PM - YouTube
It is replaceable. Auto part stores never know how to find it because it's normally a differential bearing. Here's the Timken part number: M88048. You may also need this shim kit (or equivalent): Liberty Gear 26-Spline Input Shaft Shim Kit [LG-SK] - $29.95 : Performance Parts - Ford Mustang - Cobra - Dodge Viper - Chevy Corvette - C6 - LS1
Then the only remaining challenge if finding someone who can press it off and the new one on without damaging it.
Inspect the counter shaft gear when you pull it apart to make sure it doesn't have any odd wear. If it does I think the counter shaft is like $350ish and kind of hard to find too.
I just replaced my factory 10 spline with a tremec 26 spline and had to use a few shims... Didn't know if anyone else had to use multiple shims with the Tremec spline.
I've heard that if you go with the D&D input shaft you dont have to shim it? Is there any truth to this?