replacing transmission / shift tower questions

[ozmington]

My 81 Spider is slipping out of 3rd when the RPM's drop. I knew it when I bought it and knew I'd be putting in a rebuild (no interest in doing that part myself). The PO replaced the clutch a few years ago with few miles driven since so that's in good shape. I'm sure the 3/4th fork is worn.

My question: is there anything in the shift tower I should consider replacing at the same time? I did replace the shift lever assembly last year, so that's already done.

Thanks
Deb & Bella

[So Cal Mark]

nothing in the shift tower really wears, I've seen broken towers from flex couplers coming apart but that's all

[ozmington]

Thanks Mark! I always value your opinion. I'll press on as planned as soon as the Georgia temp. cools down.

[ozmington]

Mark, or anyone.
Can I do this without removing the bellhousing or do I need access to nuts or bolt heads inside of it?

[vandor]

The bellhousing stays attached to the transmission when the latter is removed.
So to remove the trans you need to remove the starter and the 4 bellhousing to block bolts (and of course all that stuff toward the back of the trans).

[ozmington]

Thanks Csaba,
I found a place to work with a proper lift so the job will be easier. I'll be in touch for my parts list soon.

Deb

[Fiatlanta]

nothing in the shift tower really wears, I've seen broken towers from flex couplers coming apart but that's all

Sorry for bringing this back from the dead...I just posted a question about this, I think...that is, if "flex coupler" and "u joint" are the same thing. What I was referring to as my "front u joint" came apart on me the other day and my shift tower cracked and came apart as well.

Is it as simple as replacing those two parts, or would this require changing out the whole tranny? Fwiw, third gear does pop out from time to time, so I know a rebuild or replace is coming eventually. Would prefer to wait until spring before tackling that, if possible, though.

[aj81spider]

The flex coupler (or giubo) is the rubber donut shaped thing with 6 bolts that connects the transmission to the driveshaft. The U-joints are the metal couplings that attach the pieces of the driveshaft to each other.

If the giubo broke (more likely than the U-joints) it's possible that the driveshaft flopped around and broke your shift tower and it's possible that you could change the giubo and shift tower and be OK. It's also possible that it did a lot more damage. You should get under the car and look.

To replace the shift tower you probably need to remove the transmission. If you're removing the transmission anyway it might be time to bite the bullet and rebuild it rather than having to pull it again later.

[Fiatlanta]

The flex coupler (or giubo) is the rubber donut shaped thing with 6 bolts that connects the transmission to the driveshaft. The U-joints are the metal couplings that attach the pieces of the driveshaft to each other.

If the giubo broke (more likely than the U-joints) it's possible that the driveshaft flopped around and broke your shift tower and it's possible that you could change the giubo and shift tower and be OK. It's also possible that it did a lot more damage. You should get under the car and look.

To replace the shift tower you probably need to remove the transmission. If you're removing the transmission anyway it might be time to bite the bullet and rebuild it rather than having to pull it again later.

I think that's the direction I'm leaning. Looking now for rebuilt trannies from one of the big vendors. I knew it had to happen sooner or later...guess it'll be sooner...