My 1980 280zx transmission is stuck in 1st gear. It won't go into 1st thur 4th but it can go into 5th reverse but it stalls out. Can drive the can while its in neutral. Any ideas what is wrong?

It could be many things 1: clutch not fully releasing 2: shift linkage problem 3: worn strike rod 4: worst outcome sticking or broken gears from lack of oil or maintenance. Was there a buildup to this or it went from good to bad in one Siting

i broke my 1/2 shift fork once. could only use 5th and rev. drove home that way too. was a bit interesting but i made it. when the fork broke it jammed the detent ***** and rods half way between the 1/2 shift so i couldnt use 1,2,3,4. try taking out the detents (side of the tranny in the metal support plate) and move the shifter around. it may unjam the problem.

it went from good to bad. I was driving just fine to where i was heading parked it came back put it in reverse and the rear start lifting up then notice it wouldnt go in first thur fourth. Its a rebuilt transmission that has less than 5000 mile on it too.

oh that sucks, id be taking it back to the rebuilders and have it looked at. should have a warranty?

I would but its been 6 years since I bought it.

I had something similar happen to a Chevy luv pickup truck ages ago... The pilot bearing was welded to the flywheel and pilot shaft on the transmision. It doesn't sound like that's your issue but it is similar.

If you think driving like that is fun, try seperating the transmission from the engine when they welded together. It took six guys and three long steel rods to break the bearing and seperate the engine and tranny.