I have an appointment to get a socially acceptable exhaust installed on tues., so I'm under the car this weekend trying to get to all the little things that will a total PITA once the dual pipes are in. I haven't had a speedo since I got the car a year ago, so I figured now would be a good time to look into it. Originally, Bubba had the cable laid across the header and I figured that a new cable would do the trick. Nope. I have actually locked the chuck of my cordless drill onto the nylon pinion gear that inserts at tranny tail, and by running the drill in reverse I get good readings on the speedo dial. So the gauge, cable, connectors, drive gear, and seal are all good. I was able to get some light and a mirror and looking into the opening I see only a smooth shaft.

I'm wondering if when the cable melted on the header and perhaps siezed up, if this might have moved or unclipped the speedo drive gear. Is this a common thing with auto trans? Might the gear still be in there?

The repair procedure looks a little scary for me- dropping the shaft- unbolting mount- removing crossmember- and then there's talk of special tools for the shaft- For a speedometer

I've also just learned of the new Norskog GPS speedometer-@$500

Has anyone encountered this situation lately or have any advice or options??