Transmission Question

Moriarty · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject: Transmission Question

My 4 speed Manual Saginaw transmission has been giving me problems since I got my '78 Caballero in July. My motor is 350sb with dual exhaust on stock headers.

When I'm in second gear, you can hear the gears rolling against one another - there is the right amount and right kind of oil in the box. It's not a bad sound, just a little wirling noise (difficult to describe)

Once in awhile, it doesn't shift properly and it gets stuck in gear. The only way to fix it, is to get out of the car, jack it up and use a wrench to disengage the gear.

I have changed the bushings on the shifter. Found nuetral properly and adjusted the shift rods. Still happens. The shifter body does feel really sloppy. It's an ITM shifter.

The other day, my U-joint broke - I know it happens, I took the car to my friend to have the joint replaced and he feels the problem is with the transmission and not the shifter.

I have found someone local who has a newly rebuilt 4 speed Saginaw tranny with new clutch, sanginaw shifter & boot. It was bolted to a 350LT1. Will this fit my 350sbc? He'll let it go for $500.00.

Should I just get my original rebuilt by a pro, or buy this one locally which was supposed to have been built by a pro? Will I have to change my drive shaft if I buy this one?

Thanks,

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Tough call on what you should do without knowing what's wrong. I don't know if I would just run out and buy the rebuilt trans...you never know what your really getting. Never had experience with a ITM shifter, but check to see if there's bushings in the shifter arms on the trans where the shifter linkage attaches to see if they're worn (you stated you replaced the bushings on the shifter itself)...this could be why your shifter still seems sloppy and might be why the trans is locking up. Some bushings are plastic some are brass...but they all wear. If the ITM is like a Hurst you need to line up (with a pin) the shifter arms on the shifter and then adjust the linkage in or out on to the arms on the trans when in neutral. If the bushings are worn bad enough, it can cause exactly what your describing...then again so can worn syncros. Personally if the trans needs to be rebuilt or replaced, I wouldn't replace it with another Saginaw though...but that's my personal preference...if you saw the difference in diameter of the shafts between a Super T-10 and the Sag, you'd see why. If you want to know if the rebuilt trans will fit, measure the overall length (from bellhousing flange to tip of the output shaft) of both transmissions...if they're the same length, your good to go...but gear ratios could differ. Your trans is 30 years old though, unless it's already been replaced or rebuilt...things wear out! A Richmond 5 speed would be a lot nicer...but it ain't cheap! The only real way to find out what's wrong with your trans after you've replaced bushings and properly adjusted the linkage is to remove the trans and then take off the sidecover.
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Flaminmeano · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject:

I'd let it go for $500 also, its only worth $175-$200
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Moriarty · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

hey guys,

Thanks for the information.

I think it's the syncro.

I've lined up the shifter so many times and checked it.

I used a hurst shift replacement bushing kit, so I don't think that's the problem.

I'm going to look for a Muncie / T10 / or Richmond.

..... I need to sell a motorcycle...

old_coot · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:43 am Post subject:

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to go find a five speed and slip an overdrive in there...............Dan
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Moriarty · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

I agree, I would love to put a 5 speed in there..... It's the $ that's the problem.

The 5 speed richmond is like $3000.00! Plus all the extras that would be needed. Bell housing, clutch, transmission cooler (might as well right?) Modified drive shaft.

If I was going to do the 5 speed I would get a new crate motor to go with it. It's the right thing to do. Do it right or don't do it at all.

$6000.00 later....... Parts alone!