VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 39 transmission rebuild

i have new cluster gear - input shaft - front / rear bearings - roller bearings - thrust washers - idler gear - second gear .
i have the 39 shop manual , it talks about mainshaft removal tool . i do not have this , is there something else i can use ?
other than obvious scores or wear , what should i be looking for , in respect to wear ? will the mainshaft need replacing ?
( the problem is noisy grind/howl in second gear - otherwise it shifts well & stays in gear well ) i want to do a good job of it , the first time . thanks , frank

you can tap the rear of the main shaft with a brass hammer and the shaft will come out from the front of the case , if one part is worn you should consider all parts will be worn as well