[cas3]

frank miller has the answer, you need a 3/4" rod, steel or wood, that will slide easily thru the holes in the case, exactly the length of the cluster gear, so it clears the thrust bearings to allow it to sit down at the bottom until its time to install the real counter shaft. the 3/4' rod holds all the needles in place, then you tip the trans to be vertical, look thru the hole to line up the counter shaft, then push the real shaft thru while keeping the two shafts touching so the needles stay in place. very easy