Trans swap dilemma

[Shran]

Got a dilemma for you guys. I have an '84 B2 with a 2.8 that came with a 4 speed which is now toast. I also got what I think is an FM145 or a TK 5 speed...didn't have time to determine which yet. I also have an A4LD from another B2 that I could swap in.

First off, the 5 speed I have may be no good. The input shaft moves up and down a little bit. I don't know how much is too much here...I have heard that a little play is OK, and also that any play is a unacceptable.

So I could either buy a clutch and slave cylinder, and see how long the 5 speed lasts. Or buy a radiator and swap the automatic in. Neither option sounds particularly appealing at the moment...so what do you guys suggest?

If the 5 speed died, an M5OD could be swapped in, right? This is supposed to be fairly low budget so I can have something to drive around town that has more than two seats.

 

[Talus]

If the 5 speed died, an M5OD could be swapped in, right? This is supposed to be fairly low budget so I can have something to drive around town that has more than two seats.

Heh, I would just keep the two seats idea because then we have to take someone elses car to go somewhere, which isnt on my dime, even though manuals are cheap. I guess I am too.

 

[Destroyer000]

man iam looking for the opposite of what you have.. i have a fm145 out of my 85 b2 with the clutch pressure plate and fly wheel.. my mud truck has an a4ld with no reverse an i really would like to keep the auto due to the amount of water i go through but i kept the 5spd as a back up

 

[Shran]

I don't mind the 2 seats when I don't have my kid with me. His car seat is frickin huge though.

My problem is that I am cheap and have a lot of questionable parts. I already have four other money pits...don't need a fifth

 

[2ranger87]

Either way, regardless of which tranny you use, unless you install another tk4, you'll be changing clutch hydraulics, lengthening/shortening driveshafts, repositioning the crossmember/skidplate, etc..........

And swapping in an a4ld, IMO, is a step backwards.......