So I have 2 transmissions and both need a solid rebuild. Thing is, I can't decide which to tear into.

#1 - Out of an 86 but with an 84 tailshaft. Grinds in 2 and 3 and leaks from the casing and the output shaft. (has a new seal there, still leaks)

#2 - Out of an 84. Grinds in most gears when cold or shifting quickly. Lovely squealing noise when decelerating in gear. No leaks though. Installed in the car now.


Any thoughts on which one to mess with?

 

i'd rebuild the one that's currently in the car. just my opinion.

 

i'm not a fan of the tall overdrive on the 86-88's, i'd use #2 also, unless you swap out the 5th gear, then i'd rebuild that, cause its out of the car

 

Hrm, I kinda like the tall 5th for gas mileage and the short 1-4 for around town. This isn't getting any easier.

 

since you said they both need to be built, i would start with the one that's currently out of the car. i don't know if this is a daily driver or not, but at least the car remains functional if you need it.

 

or better yet, buy a good trans and save the money. rebuilding the transmission would be a fun project though!

 

I'd get another working trans personally. I'm going to be getting an FC trans for that taller 5th as well but I'll be going with a TII for the rigidity and longevity of it.

Rebuild the FC unless you go and get another for cheaper, that's my opinion.

 

Heh, the 85 was bought to be a "good" replacement for the 86. The sequel developed within a week. Thank goodness for a 6 month warranty, but the yard doesn't have any more transmissions and its an hour drive away.

The 86 was given to me for free about 4 years back. The thought is rebuild one, return the other to the yard for a full refund.

 

well if you like the tall overdrive, then by all means build that its out of the car. make sure you have a clear workspace, there are a lot of parts and they do need to go back where they came from.

 

personally I like the overdrive of the later model, so #1

 

I can see what you're saying here - I agree that running higher RPM's at cruising speed is safer in my opinion. I like that so I can spool the motor to get out of hairy situations better and quicker than if I was running at lower RPM's. But I need the mileage and the OP seems to as well so that's where we are coming from. If my 7 wasn't going to be my DD I'd leave the stock trans in for when it finally makes it on the track