Help Finding a Tranny Bearing Kit for my 1996 Ford Ranger

[acleme1]

I own a 1996 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 with a standard transmission (154,000 miles). I recently had a local shop install a new clutch for me. While they were in there, they found that a needle bearing had torn-up the end of the mainshaft in my transmission. So, they replaced the mainshaft and all was well...until the transmission started whining about 2 days later. Now, it pretty much whines the entire time the clutch is not engaged. The warmer the engine, the louder it gets.

I took it back to the shop, and the owner said my tranmission bearings (or a bearing) is probably going bad. He said if I would buy the parts, he would supply the labor at no charge...(I guess since I've already dropped $1200 for the earlier repairs).

My question to you guys is this: Where can I buy a good Bearing Kit for my transmission at a good price. The guy at the shop thought it would cost me $400 - $500 for parts alone. That seems high to me, and I'm about out of money for truck repairs. I've checked all the regular auto parts stores, and none of them have a bearing kit for my truck.

And one last thing. Do I need to buy the synchro rings, or just the bearings?

Thanks so much for any help you can give. AC.

 

[Tbars4]

...First, you need to know what tranny you have and it helps to know if your Ranger is 4x2 or 4x4...:scratch:

...On your door sticker you should have the letter "M" which means you have the Mazda M50D-R1...If this is true, this will make searching for your parts much easier...

 

[acleme1]

It is a 4x4. Looks like it is a Mazda R1 Transmission. Indicated by the M on the door. I've included a photo of the door sticker for good measure. Thanks for the help. AC.

 

[Tbars4]

...You have a winner...:biggthump

...Here are a couple threads that may help...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169784

...and this one starting about post #18...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159665

 

[solitary ogre]

drivetrain.com

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/manual_transmission_overhaul_kits/ford_truck.html