OK, so I have a bit of a mystery I am hoping someone can help me with.

I have a getrag 5 speed I purchased In Spring. I sent it off to Mid West Transmissions to be rebuilt. (going into a 3800sc build) I dont know it it is an 87 or 88.

They was able to rebuild, however in the process they said they had to cut the fork out to get it off. I got it back rebuild. It has a fork in it, which looks like the 87 fork I got off ebay. How am I to know if it is the right fork?? Would an 87 one fit in an 88 transmissions??

Yes it has the dipstick.

Are the forks that much different? I understand the 88 fork is hard to get a hold of.

I can't answer your question. Hopefully someone who has experience with this issue can help. I just checked the factory service manual and it does indeed show 2 different forks but it does not say which one belongs to which transmission.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 01-29-2023).]

The early version uses a bushing on the bottom end and the 88 uses a roller bearing.

My apologies if this is a stupid question, but would it be obvious if the wrong fork is in it?

The wrong one won't fit. The early one has a larger end than the 88.

Another easy way to tell:

I believe the old style fork went with the screw in oil dipstick and the new style fork went with the pull out dipstick.

Yes the two have different lower diameters/bushing.