Transmission Swap

[MootsMan]

Hey, guys, I need some help. Most of you know I have an '86 Dlx. with a bad transmission. Well, my mechanic can't seem to find anything, so I'm on the prowl for a transmission. Will any 6spd. fit into the '86 model ?? or does it have to be an '85 or '86 ? Are there different gear ratios from the std. dlx model to the SR5 ? I know where I might be able to get a couple of parts cars locally, one an '84 SR5 and the other an '85 dlx., but I need to know what will work and what will not before I start parting with $$$. I don't want to make a costly mistake.

Thanks for any advice !

MM

[GTSSportCoupe]

Any of the 83 to 88 4wd manual transmissions will work, but you can only replace the front diff with one from an 85-88 (so it'll match your rear diff ratio).

[MootsMan]

Cool, thanks for the info, GTS. As far as I know , the front diff. is ok. Or does it have to be replaced when the transmission goes ?? As stated before, I'm not much of a mechanic, and still learning a lot about how all this stuff works together.

[GTSSportCoupe]

Cool, thanks for the info, GTS. As far as I know , the front diff. is ok. Or does it have to be replaced when the transmission goes ?? As stated before, I'm not much of a mechanic, and still learning a lot about how all this stuff works together.

I think it's a fair deal of work to seperate the two, but I have not actually done it myself. It does not necessarily need to be replaced with your transmission.

Make sure you read the factory repair manual, and make sure you know what you are up against before you take on this job. I'd say it is probably the hardest job you could do on the car.

[MootsMan]

I'm not thinkin' this is something I'll want to do myself....nor have the time to do ! Now, if I hit the Powerball Jackpot this Saturday night, I might take the time to take it on...

I'll know now how to proceed about finding either a transmission or a parts car that I can snag a transmission from. I just wasnt' sure if there were any differences from year to year. Thanks again !!

MM

[xirdneh]

I'm not thinkin' this is something I'll want to do myself....nor have the time to do ! Now, if I hit the Powerball Jackpot this Saturday night, I might take the time to take it on...

I'll know now how to proceed about finding either a transmission or a parts car that I can snag a transmission from. I just wasnt' sure if there were any differences from year to year. Thanks again !!

MM

if we are talking about manual transmissions read on.
automatics are a pain in the ass
the gear ratio difference can be taken care of by replacing the rear differential with the same gear ratio as the tranny. that will give you more options when searching for a used tranny. the wrecking yards will want 4 to 600 bucks for one. it is cheaper to find a used car with a blown engine. i've been getting them for 2-300 bucks and salvaging many parts.
used rear differential can be aquired for around sixty dollars. some corolla differentials will work. check with a wrecking yard for cross reference.
differential is not to difficult to replace. you will need to borrow a "slide puller" tool (or build one) to pull the left and right axles.

replacing the whole tranny is the easiest way to go. seperating the front differential from the tranny is no fun.
you may find it easier to remove and install the tranny if you remove the front engine mount nuts and lift the engine a bit and move it forward a few inches.
if you do this in a garage put a pipe across the roof trusses and hang a chain fall or comealong from it. may have to cut a hole in the sheetrock.
you may want to replace the clutch,pressure plate and bearing (abt 90-120.00)

[takza]

Removing the trans without taking the diff out is not a big deal.

3AC used the 2 stage method...trans 1st...then the diff...same putting it back together...diff 1st..then trans.