Transmission Questions...

[jugganaut]

I just bought a 1985 Tercel 4 speed Standard transmission, 1.5L 2-DR hatchback. I bought it from an auction so I no vehicle history to reference. I have two questions:

1. Sometimes, more often than not, I have trouble shifting from neutral to first or second at a dead stop. Sometimes it will go right into gear, mostly it just doesn't let me put it into gears. Once its driving, it will shift fine all the way up and down. The clutch seems to be fine with no slipage. Usually I have to turn the vehicle off and then it shifts fine. Any ideas? Syncro? Clutch?

2. Possibly a related observation, when I do manage to get it into gear, when I'm driving and my shifting isn't really, really smooth, it gives me a little clunk when it catches. My first guess was that its just the clutch and thats how it is. It's not loud or anything, but it is noticeable. It doesn't do it when you are at higher RPMs and let off the gas and then reapply the gas to make it jerk, only when it is shifting, so I don't think its something like motor mounts...

Thanks for any ideas...

jugganaut

[Paseo15psi]

Get a 5 speed swapped in and change the clutch. Best advice I can give cause it sounds like a syncro.

[jugganaut]

Are the syncros hard to replace?

[Paseo15psi]

Not particularly, just not really worth the trouble when a used tranny can be found for as little as 50 bucks.

[jugganaut]

OK, a couple more questions. I've found what I think is a five speed tranny in a pull it yourself type junkyard. Are there any ways to tell if the tranny has any problems? Also, what other years of Tercel transaxle will fit an 85? Will an 87? An 84? The junkyard has those two years as well as an 85.

This also might be random, but are the seats interchangeable on an 85 and 87?


Thanks!