6 Gear Outdrive Bearing Mod Help

[SpinningWheel]

Hi all, first post here but I have been really getting a ton of knowledge from the forum posts - thanks!

I'd like to try the outdrive bearing mod on my 6 gear transmission and I am a little confused on one of the steps. I have been reading the threads here and the Bob Gagne Radio Control Car Action magazine article which details the mod and I'm not sure I understand the brass tube spacer. Based on those instructions, I would drill out the outdrive holes to 1/2" and use a 7/16" brass tube to make a spacer. Is that spacer supposed to come in contact with the outdrive gear on one side and the new support bearing on the other (or technically the shim ring that ensures the bearing is flush with the outside of the case)? If I am drilling out the case to 1/2", it seems the tube would pass through.

I've also seen mention that you can not do this step and instead use the inner race of a bearing in the non-flanged position - is this correct? If so, how do you get it on the shaft with the flanged bearing clipped in place? Just fiddle until it slides into place? I think I'd like this option more but again, not sure I understand the specifics.

Thanks!

[jwscab]

The brass ring is intended to touch the outer 5/8" bearing and the outside face of the outdrive gear. It prevents the outdrive from moving outward.

You can also use the inner race of an unflanged bearing. You have to install the race, then the inner flanged bearing and then the snap ring. Then you have to fiddle with it down onto the shaft and install the screw and washer from inside the drive cup. It's not super easy but it works. I think you can align it all dropping the gear on vertically using an allen key to get the inner race into alignment.

[SpinningWheel]

Perfect, thank you. That's kind of what i was guessing on both but given how tough parts can be to find, I really wanted to make sure before attempting this.