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Richmond Gear 1304085016 Richmond Gear Manual Transmission Replacement Main Shafts

Richmond Gear 1304085016 Richmond Gear Manual Transmission Replacement Main Shafts

$339.00
$339.00
Sale Sold out

The Richmond Gear Manual Transmission Main Shaft 1304085016 is a forged replacement main shaft for Richmond five-speed and six-speed transmissions used in high-performance muscle cars and race cars. If your transmission growls when coasting in gear or pops out under deceleration, the main shaft bearings are failing.

Forged from 8620 alloy steel and CNC-ground to final dimensions, case-hardened to 60–62 HRC with core hardness of 30–35 HRC for impact resistance. The integral 28-spline output end interfaces with standard slip yokes. Bearing journals are ground to 0.0003-inch tolerances for precise needle bearing fit. Rating matches the transmission's 650 ft-lb torque capacity.

A worn or bent main shaft causes progressive damage to the entire gear stack. Misalignment creates uneven tooth contact that generates noise and sheds metal into the fluid. Replacing it with the Richmond 1304085016 restores factory alignment and eliminates gear noise. Combined with Richmond's synchro and bearing kits, this shaft is the foundation of a full transmission rebuild.

Don't rebuild your Richmond transmission with questionable parts. Get the 1304085016 main shaft and build it right. Order today.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What transmission models does the Richmond Gear 1304085016 main shaft fit?

The Richmond Gear 1304085016 main shaft is a replacement output shaft designed for specific Richmond Gear manual transmissions and certain applications that use Richmond's internal gear sets in T5, T56, or similar aftermarket gearbox builds. The main shaft transfers power from the gear cluster to the driveshaft through the output yoke. Verify your transmission model, gear set ratio, and output shaft spline count to ensure the part matches your application.

What material is the Richmond Gear main shaft manufactured from?

Richmond Gear main shafts are forged from 8620 or 4340 chromoly steel alloy and then case-hardened to provide a hard wear surface on the splines and bearing journals while maintaining a ductile core that resists torsional twisting under high torque loads. The shaft is CNC-machined after heat treatment to achieve precise tolerances for bearing fits and gear alignment. This material specification makes Richmond shafts significantly stronger than most factory output shafts.

Will the Richmond Gear main shaft fit a stock T56 transmission?

The Richmond Gear main shaft is designed for aftermarket and performance transmission builds and may not be a direct drop-in replacement for a stock T56 main shaft because of differences in spline count, overall length, or bearing journal diameters. Richmond performance transmissions and gear sets often use proprietary shaft dimensions that differ from GM or Ford OEM specifications. Have your original shaft measured and compare it to Richmond's published dimensions before ordering.

What is the spline count on the output yoke end of the Richmond Gear main shaft?

The Richmond Gear main shaft typically features a 27-spline or 31-spline output yoke pattern, with the 27-spline being common in GM applications and the 31-spline used in higher-torque applications. The input end of the shaft has precision-machined splines that locate the 5th and 6th gear sliders and synchronizer assemblies. Confirm the yoke spline count matches your existing driveshaft slip yoke before ordering the main shaft.

What bearings and seals are needed when replacing a transmission main shaft?

When replacing a transmission main shaft like the Richmond Gear 1304085016, you should also replace the main shaft pilot bearing, the rear output shaft bearing, the speedometer drive gear seal, and the tail housing seal to ensure a complete rebuild. The main shaft rides on a ball bearing at the rear of the case and a pilot bearing at the front, both of which can be damaged during shaft removal. Using new bearings and seals prevents oil leaks and premature shaft wear.

How do I properly install the Richmond Gear main shaft without damaging the bearings?

To install the Richmond Gear main shaft, you must support the shaft in a press using properly sized bearing plates and press the shaft through the rear bearing and gear cluster without applying force directly to the thin bearing cage or seal surfaces. The shaft should be chilled or the bearing heated slightly to allow a slip fit rather than forcing them together. Apply a light coat of transmission assembly lube to all splines and bearing surfaces before final assembly.