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While this problem happens to pertain to a '69 Sonett V4, the tranny is the same as the other 'VSAABs' so, any help would be much appreciated!!
*Note, my tranny is not the original 'smooth cased' version, it has been replaced with a ribbed cased tranny - something like a '70 or '71 vintage I believe...
My original problem that has plagued me for years (but I've 'worked through it' ) - is that at idle, I can't shift into reverse without either grinding (which I dont do), or shifting into 1st gear, loading the tranny a bit (to slow the input shaft), then shifting into reverse (no grinding). I originally thought this was a clutch problem, since I changed my clutch out when I changed my tranny.
However, my ongoing clutch/shifting problem now points to a 'freewheel problem'.. Heres the deal:
A few days ago, after some time fiddling around with the clutch adjustment again (and having no luck) - I noticed that my tranny has the white plastic freewheel lever, but no bolt to lock it down, nor any bar going under the dash for lockout. It can just slide around and jiggle back and forth. With the car idling, if I push it toward the firewall, I can hear some slight grinding (of the freewheel engagement teeth maybe? - or whats left of them?)
However, being bold, I noticed that when I moved the lever towards the firewall then locked it down with a bolt, while idling, the transmission will shift into reverse without grinding. Yea!! Problem solved!! Right?! ... Wrong. I happily drove to the corner store for my celebratory 6-pack. 1st gear - fine, 2nd gear felt sorta like a slipping clutch (but worse)- it finally engaged but felt very 'loaded'.
I slowed down to a near stop and heard a few pops/clicks and grinds from the tranny. I pushed in the clutch when I stopped and everything was smooth again (indicating a tranny prob).
So, after hobling home, and trying some more clutch adjusments, I'm now at the point where it just won't hardly shift at all (regardless of the freewheel lever position).
Is my best option to purchase the freewheel neutering 'fork' from MSS, or permanantly weld it (neutered via welding) - or is it time to go hunting for a used tranny?
I'm preparing to yank the engine/tranny - but would love to hear what you folks think first.
-Chris Floyd
posted by 70.144.156...
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