jeff968

After hearing about the issue for years I finally got to see it in person. The photos below show a 968 pinion bearing and race that are shot. Notice the roller edges in the bearing. When put together you could feel the drag. This was not my tranny.

KevinGross

Focus on the outer race makes it not possible to read. The pitting on the tapered rollers, though, is very unusual, even where there's been a lot of wear. The rollers are usually pretty much indestructible. I'd guess this transmission sat for a long time with moisture in its fluid.

968workaholic

+1 with the above statement. I would bet on fluid contamination wiping out the bearings, not so as much as a bearing pre load issue