Hooray! I got it on, however, if that cage is cracked, do you think it would harm anything? or hurt the function of the bearing?

I'm sure people may have cracked that cage and not even known it at times when reinstalling the tranny halves. The plastic cage that holds the bearings together isn't even a hard plastic. Besides, the clearances are so tight, I know those roller bearings aren't going anywhere within the race.

The only real function of that cage has to be to keep the bearings in line during the mating of the tranny halves.

Oh yeah, instead of using the cardboard technique, I found the BEST way is to use so much grease on the bearing and the race, so as it will actually keep the bearing in the race. Then, while peering in at the top of the bellhousing while lowering to make sure the bearing stays up, lower the bellhousing on the gear casing.

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Jason ESi-T

04' BMW 325Ci
91' Nissan 240SX
98' Eagle Talon ESi (sold)