I was on my way out for about an hour or so drive on the Highway. at 90 miles an hour or so and 5th gear died, still engaged but no go, dropped it into 4th and proceeded for about another 3 mins. then 4th went out exactly the same way. First through third continued to work and we babied her into the next town in third gear. On the tow back the car put itself into 3rd gear while the shifter remained in neutral, and I had to ride the clutch all the way. Once back I was able to get it disengaged by putting it in reverse (which has no problem going in ever) however trying to get into first through third is very difficult. I can still get it into first through third and have power, and with a very difficult time I am able to get into fourth and fifth however its as if its in neutral, it does not do anything. What is the problem? I can buy a transmission, I can buy a clutch, but I don't want to do both if I can avoid it.

 

Is the clutch pedal spongy or low? If not, sounds like a rare case of complete transmission failure. Is there any MTF in the transmission?

 

Clutch goes in like it always has. the throwout bearing sounds like its gone for sure, and as the motor runs it will try to engage gears. None of the gears except second and reverse ever grind however, and the ones that do don't grind all the time either.

 

and im not sure what an MTF is..

 

Manual transmission fluid = MTF

 

I can almost guarentee you if you pull the trans apart 4th and 5th gear are absolutely destroyed. The main and countershafts are going to be ruined from heat along with most of the other gears, 1st and the differential might be ok but basically the trans is junk. Sounds like it was run with no fluid. You wont know if you need a clutch until you pull it apart and inspect it for wear. I've seen lots that felt fine be worn out when inspected.

 

Bad news bro, but thank you for your advice. This is the third opinion that the transmission is blown, so I really think you all might just be right. Looks like I'm crawling in junk yards next week.

 

Found a new transmission for $180. Will be installed Thursday, Thank you all for your expert advice, you're saving me time, money and labor. You guys are great!

 

$180 for a trans?! Very good find in my opinion, sounds like a good price!