Everytime I am going from 1st to 2nd gear my transmission wants to grind. It doesnt do it in any other gears except 2nd. Anyone got a solution to this problem. It sucks cause I have to baby it now :-(

 

The 2nd gear synchro is bad.
3 options.
Baby it and live with the problem
Replace the trans with another used one
Have yours rebuilt

 

How hard is it to remove the trans, and which one is the more cost effective solution? rebuild or another used one.

 

Getting a used trans is the more cost effective choice. However finding a used Sa trans may take awhile.

If you have never done a transmission on our cars then you will spend the day with it.

 

hmmm. ok. while i have the trans should i go ahead and replace the clutch? and do i need to replace the mount? it vibrates at takeoff sometimes.

 

Vibration or it is sometimes refeered to as chatter could be the flywheel Also could be the front u-joint going bad.

If you bought the car with no known mileage of what is on the clutch then I would replace it while the trans is out.

Always inspect the trans mount because it is very common for the rubber to separate from the steel mount.
This is my standard list of things that you should consider replacing while the trans is out.

Clutch disk/pressure plate/T/o bearing/pilot bearing and seal.
Transmission mount(if bad)
Rear main engine seal
Have flywheel resurfaced
Exhaust pipe gaskets and ones on catalytic converter. (if running stock exhaust and you remove this to remove the trans).
Inspect driveline for worn u-joints and replace as needed. Your year model are replaceable.

 

my dad has owned the car since new, it has about 165k on it. i have a full RB exhaust so i know the gaskets are alright. thx for the info.

 

I have a used 85 fb trans I'll sell. the first gear sinc is going bad in it, it dont like to downshift from 2nd to 1st, but i think i'm the only one that does that anyhow. PM me if you want a price.

 

quasar, your tranny is incompatible with '79-'80 cars. The shifter position is different.

 

Synchros can get clogged up with lots of junk over years. One solution, if that is the cause of the grinding, is to use a 50/50 mixture of gear lube/Auto tranny fluid. The ATF still provides plenty of lubrication, but also has a butt load of detergents which really cleans things up. This might be worth a shot before replacement...

 

I agree Kentetsu, its worth a shot.

 

I had the same issue.

Drain the trans fluid, and search for metal filings. If you find alot, thant thats your syncro/ gear

I replaced the whole tranny with a use one.

You and a friend should be able to swap out the tranny within a few hours. Follow the FSM's steps to removing the tranny and you'll be fine.

 

Run some engine flush through it (run in neutral and **** gear with the clutch in, but "do not drive",, Then change the oil to a premium synthetic. I did this before with great results.

 

my second gear also. must be a common issue.

 

I have two weeks off work coming up. I shot you a link to a forum member in Spartanburg SC who has a SA tranny for sale. If the grinding is bad, don't waste your time trying to "clean" it out. It will only get worse. If you get the tranny, and want to swap it out, drop a new clutch in it, and what ever, I can help you out. I can usually drop a trans, resurface the flywheel, replace the clutch, put new fluids in, in about 4 to 6 hours by myself. A little help, and we could probably do it less than 4. Let me know what you think.

 

What a nice guy! That's the good thing about this community, many of us volunteer our time to help the other guy where we can. We were all newbies once upon a time and someone helped us when we were in need or lacked knowledge. So we pay it back, or better yet, "pay it forward" to the next guy as well. I remember some of my first questions, "lol", my favorite stupid question was "can I port my engine without pulling it out of the car?", and I didn't get ignorant replies at all, the group was very informative. Kudos go to the long time members like Sterling, rotarygod, 680rwhp, etc, etc who have consistantly provided good feedback to new and old members over the years.