I've got an 1985 base model 12a which a previous owner swapped in a 83 or earlier small bearing LSD. I'm unsure which tranny is in there but it's a 5 speed. With the car rolling along I can hear a bearing noise... if I place my ear to the shift **** it's INCREDIBLY loud. I can hear this in neutral, in gear, clutch in or out, doesn't matter. I'm guessing it's a bearing in the transmission, I'd like to just pick up a used one to swap in so I can keep driving the car while I set about rebuilding the one that's in there. So my question is this, what cars can I get transmissions from? Thanks!

 

any 81-85 will be ok. i have a 85 gsl-se which has great gears. they all are the same except the gear ratios. some cases are different but they will bolt right up.

 

Have you drained and replaced the trans gear oil? Might want to try that first.

 

Yeah I recently drained and replaced it with royal purple gear lube. Thanks for the input, there's an 83 being parted out in my area, I'll see if I can get the trans off that car. Also what are the things I can easily replace on whatever tranny I pick up to swap in? Tailshaft bushing? Shifter bushings? Seals?

 

sounds like you might have a main shaft bearing going out in the tranny. also keep in mind that noise have a tendency to resonate throughout various different components that might be adjacent to where your prob is. sounds though like the only way confirm is to do a full teardown and inspection. but that is where i would look first, let us know.