1983 280zx transmission lost all except 4th
 

My 280zx started making a grinding noise so I took it to a mechanic to get some gear oil put in it, I figured thats what it needed. But later that day it just started making grinding noises and would only go into 4th. Is the transmission gone or is it repairable?? I just moved from NC to FL and my z car is all I have, So any help I would appreciate Thanks

Doesn't sound too encouraging. You can open the drain plug, drain the oil and check for teeth and/or other debris. Probably you're going to have to pull the tranny. That will give you a good look at the clutch and T/O bearing as well. Its not too bad of a job. I did it last June. Pulled it in the a.m., hit the MSA store in Orange, CA for a new driven disk (had a broken spring and was grinding, refused to allow gear changes when engine was running) and had the car back up and running that afternoon. And, I'm 66 years old.

BTW, with the engine off, can you catch another gear? If so, the tranny might be OK. Rebuilding trannys is pretty easy but buying gears might be a problem. Might be easier to swap in a good used gear box.

Good luck.

Thanks for your help
 

I will give that I try, it is sad I gave away my parts car cause I had no where to keep it after I moved and it had a transmission with a spare in the hatch, I guess its just my luck... Thanks anyways

Let us know what you find, ok?

I have the same problem. The linkage feels good. Put it in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th or Reverse let the clutch out and nothing. I only get something in 4th gear. Someone told me it could be a shifting rod. How easy are the t-5's to rebuild?

Oh yeah. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

What oil did your mechanic put in your T5?

It was a synthetic gear oil. Will a 5 speed manual from a 1977 280z fit my 1983zx? I've been told it will, and I don't doubt that from the threads I've read, but I'm sure there's a small difference. I tried looking up the specific differences with the search engine but couldn't find details on the specific differences. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks all.

It should bolt right up. Problem is...you would be downgrading your tranny. The 5 speeds until like '81. Were geared more like a Datsun truck was. As I have read on here before. But if it is all you got. Then go for it...but if you can get a 280zx 5-speed tranny from an '81-'83..it would be better. Good luck though..with whatever you go with. :)

Thanks WildmaN. I hate to downgrade, but as you might as suspected I can get my hands on a rebuilt one from a 77 280z for cheap. Everyone wants at least a 1K to 2K to rebuild the one on my 83 280zx. I was thinking about using the downgraded one for now and rebuilding my own at home. I have the factory repair manual and I does show how to take it apart and how to reassemble. Thanks again WildmaN

Does anybody know how to identify trannys by the serial number stamped on the case?
 

Does anybody know how to identify trannys by the serial number stamped on the case?

Not a problem man..anytime. I kind of figured..that was the reason. It's not a huge deal to swap it back. When you get the other one rebuilt. Just tedious..lol Anyway props to stepping up to the challenge of rebuilding the transmission. Hope all goes well with that. And hey..do you have any pics of your Z? Would love to see them. And didn't you have a '81 blue and silver Z. That got stolen from you 2 or 3 years ago? Sorry if bringing that up..caused some bad memories. Was just curious...anyway good luck with your progress..:)

Hi WildmaN,

Yeah my blue and silver Z got stolen. I sometimes think about that ride. It was a very cool Z...it only had 12k on the rebuilt ATK motor and I only had it for a month. My current Z is Platinum color outside with a black and platinum inside. I've had it just over 3 years...I'll post some pictures soon. Thanks for remembering me brother. Take Care

I know it's not really the same, but just recently pulled a tranny to do the clutch on a 94 I think it was Ford Ranger. It really wasn't too bad, the hardest part is getting the tranny back in and lined up. In comparison it looks like there's alot more clearance to get at the bellhousing to engine bolts in the Zs which would make the job alot easier.

these symptoms happen to my jeep whenever i put it in reverse while it's still moving forward.... lol don't say anything. i just take the top off, and get the shifting forks lined up right. i don't know if you can do that on this transmission though. 4 gears don't just go out all at once though. it isn't being pushed in right

Well... I know this transmission has over 280K. What can you say? I was in 4th and going into 5th, I let the clutch out, gave it some gas and nothing. I was told by AAMCO that 4th is the main gear and I would never lose that gear. And I think $1500 to 2K is a bit much for a tranny. It might take me a bit but I bet I can rebuild it myself and build it good. I've take a tranny out of a Z before and it's not bad at all. It was on a lift though. I know its more challenging when not done on a lift, but you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Dude, that is the standard quote for AAMCO or just about any tranny shop.

If you pull it yourself hand have it rebuilt, you can get it done for $400 or $500.

Or, just see if you can find another one in the junk yard and buy that tranny for $150. That's where I found a spare tranny for our LeMons 280ZX.

True...AAMCO and other tranny shops have quoted me that. I'm checking cragslist.org and nothing yet. I went to a couple of wrecking yards and they only had 4 speed trannys from the the 1st gen z cars. I'll sure I'll find something soon. I wanna thank everyone for their words of advice.

www.car-parts.com brother man...

I dunno your zip code, but there's two near San Fran....

1983
Transmission
Nissan 280Z/280ZX M.T., w/o turbo; 2 seater- 83 280ZX 42078 $250 Pearsons Auto Wrecking USA-CA(Ridgecrest) E-mail 1-800-446-5865


1981
Transmission
Nissan 280Z/280ZX MT, 2 seater- 322631 $Call American Imports USA-CA(San-Jose) Request_Quote 1-800-610-0070 Request_Insurance_Quote

Well got a rebuilt tranny put in my Z. Then the fuel pump went out. Fixed that. So I'm back on the road. I wanna thank everyone for their comments and support.

Right on man...glad to hear everything worked out. And your Z is back on the road again. Enjoy the ride....and do take care also bro'. :)