from the release bearing. So, after I made my inquiry in the drivetrain forum, I went ahead and installed the slightly larger T/O collar (new) onto my transmission. Turns out it was slightly too large too.

Recap: My A-series transmission had a T/O collar that was to correct for the year. It measured 1-5/16 in. from the top to the back of the release bearing (I did not know this until last night). The 260z 4-speed I am swapping in had a T/O collar that measured 1-1/8 in. (correct for that year). I bought the 280z collar (you can only buy two now - the small one and the large one) which measures 1.5 in.

I went against my better judgement (and because I was excited to get the tranny in place) and used the new setup. I thought I would have enough clearance. Turns out I was wrong.

So, if you find that you need to remove the collar from the release bearing, just clamp the release bearing in a vice, insert a 27 mm socket into the release bearing end and give the socket a few taps with a sledge hammer. The collar pops right out.

Glad it all worked out, ktm. But for those without the vice and socket, my local machine shop removed the old bearing and installed the new bearing for the large sum of $5.00. I supplied the new bearing, of course.

Oh I know, but for those who do have a set they pop out quite easily.

On other note, I dropped the tranny, replaced the T/O collar, and reinstalled the tranny in 1 hour.