any way to tell if a Getrag is in working order w/out having to tear it apart (Page 1/1)
qwikgta APR 29, 10:21 AM
So i'm picking up a 87 GT w/ 5 speed and no motor. I've got a few possible 2.8L motors to put back into this car to get it up and running. The factory trans is still in the car and still has the axles, slave and cables attached. I have no idea if the trans is in good working order and before I install the 2.8 i'd like to know if I can even use it.

Is there anything that I can do before I install the motor to the trans to find out if the trans is OK? I plan to clean up the trans, there is a lot of sticky, oil sludge inside the bellhousing, but I think that all came from the old motor.

Any ideas?
olejoedad APR 29, 11:29 AM
Any cracking around the intermediate shaft bearing boss in the bellhousing?
Do the shift levers move easily?
Does the trans make any noise when in gear and the input shaft is turned by hand?
Does the input shaft bearing feel sloppy? Is the input shaft housing show wear from the throwing bearing?
How many miles on the odometer?
Dennis LaGrua APR 29, 12:35 PM
One final suggestion. Drain the transmission oil. Probe with a magnet. Do you find metal chips in there?
On Joe's final point, mileage does matter. Don't expect a 180,000 mile used transmission to last, especially if it is driven hard or used in an engine swap..

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

qwikgta APR 29, 04:11 PM
Thanks for the quick reply. Mileage is 107K and i'll have to check all the things you listed. First I have to reconnect the shift linkage and slave, don't know why they were removed but at least he didn't remove the slave, its just unbolted.

Ill check and get back with you guys w/ any other questions.

Rob
Raydar APR 29, 07:28 PM
For a quick "no go"...
Grab one of the axle tulips (tripots?) and shake it up and down. You may feel a small bit of play. That will be okay. What is NOT okay is if any of that up and down motion is transferred to the tulip on the other side of the diff. If that happens, it indicates excessive play/wear in the differential bearings.

Of course, you should also do any other tests recommended by the others.