I have an 85SE 4cyl 5spd, and whenever I go to throw it into reverse, it grinds like hell.. It has 139000 miles on it, and I don't know this history, so the clutch might be original.. my question is, if the clutch was going, would that cause grinding while shifting, or just slippage while accelerating? Is there a way to adjust the clutch to give it more/less throw (seems to engage if it is 1" from the floor). I DO have the steel pedal, and I do not think there is air in there, but I will giver a bleed (pretty sure thats not the problem though) JUst wondering if a bad clutch would cause it to grind, and why? Thanks

I had the same problem ('87 Isuzu tranny on '86GT). Turned out I had a bad pressure plate (throw out bearing had eaten through the splines on the pressure plate). I replaced all clutch components and now everything's fine.

The clutch probably is not fully disengaging. I would try bleeding the clutch. When shifting to reverse try going into 2nd gear then to reverse. It seems to line the gears up so it doesn't grind. Also make sure you are at a complete stop before hitting reverse.

i have a 87 4 banger an it does the same thing
i had all clutch components replaced 1 year ago
i will try the suggestion from fiero64 (thanks)
have no idea if you solve it PLEASE email me i want to solve it too

check the shifter and linkages for wear and damage. then run the adjustment procedure on the shifter. If the linkage is a little out you can have problems like this to.

I posted a topic on a similiar subject. My first and reverse grind. As long as I shift into 4th, 3rd, or 2nd before into reverse or 1st, it's fine, since it lines the gears up and stops the spinning.

It's a pain, but you get VERY used to it after a while!

also, check the release arm where the slave cylinder pushes against, they're stamped steel and have been known to break, mine did on my v-6 4 speed.

Also check the Banjo on the clutch master cylinder. this is the peice that connects to your clutch pedal. If i were you i'd replace the pedal with a new steel unit if you dont already have one and replace the master cylinder. the banjo should look like this O______ Mine was bent 45 degrees in the middle!!! No wonder it was grinding going into reverse. But if i'd shift into 2nd then into 1st and hit reverse it would be ok, cos you'd line everything up.

Mike LeCompte