rjordan.........That's a sign you have a very good transmission.

And Hohn........then you have to get into pulling the entire tranny instead of the rear housing. I just replaced my fifth gear and nut last week. To tell the truth, I've gotten tired of pulling it.

..Preston..

 

sounds like it will need a bearing possibly.
if it is getting NOTICEABLY louder,get it out and apart.
If it is staying the same ands not getting worse,you may be OK for awhile.
Noise is a signal that something is not right.
Make sure the fluid is not old and broke down.
I noticed a reply from turbo thom that he says your tranny is OK.
He may be right,but I am fairly certain that noise is a signal that something is wore or loosening up.
Good luck.

 

Partially depends on how good your ears are. Any gear noise or rattle, bearing noise will be heard in all gears except fourth. Fourth is direct and does not go through the countershaft so there are no gears meshed that are pulling power. Try looking for the noise in third....