M21 Tranny 4-Spd Problems
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
M21 Tranny 4-Spd Problems
I have a 73 L82 with the original Muncie 4-spd. Took her out this past weekend and couldn't get 1st or 2nd gear to engage. Limped home in 3rd. Any of you tranny experts out there have some ideas on what the problem could be?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,994
From: Connecticut, USA
check your shifter linkage at the tranny-may be loose or off? If the shifter looks ok adjust the rods,if that is ok then see if you can engage the tranny by using a wrench on the shift lever end should have 2 flats where the lever arm fits. If you can't get it to engage then you have to pull the tranny and look inside.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
I had this problem with a '69 Z28 that I had. The 1-2 lever had worked loose on the trans (bolt backed off) so all I had was 3 and 4. Good thing I had 4.11 gears. Anything lower and I woud have smoked the clutch, slipping it until the car got going.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
Yep, I think you guys are right. Probably the 1st/2nd lever came loose. I am definitely worried about damaging the clutch since I have the lower gear at 3.70:1. Didn't smell anything burning though, so hopefully I can get it to my mechanic on Monday without any problems.
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks,
Chris
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
My 74 w/M21 left me stranded a few times in 3rd. Taking off from a stop is a real test. No Pinging! Turned out it was the shifter linkage. Not just the upper linkage but the lower bracket was shot too. Big problems finding the right part. The forum was a big help! Much better, still jumps out of 2nd on hard deceleration sometimes.
Rick
Rick
