Here's a thought ... install a bronze bushing in there (just that one location - not the whole cluster) and run thinner lube in the trans.
No way in the world would I even think of putting needle bearings in the cluster gear against a bronze bushing, no way
I don't know what exactly the heat treat is on those gears and the other gears in the NP833 but I'll bet they are really hard, same thing on the needles bearings and roller bearings
I would look into seeing if there is a material good enough to make a repair insert( that would have to be press in with the proper interference fit to keep it from spinning when hot) in it though
OP, your pursuing the best bet,, a new NOS gear
What does the cluster gear shaft look like on that end?
