but growling in all geared ratios (4's direct)
is probably a countershaft problem-
and those bearings aren't very expensive (or hard) to replace.
If it was me, I'd spend the $50 on the 2 bearings and improved rear retainer, and just re- bearing it.
If, of course, the rest of the box is ok...

fwiw,
t


'89 V6 4dr- '4- Doris'