1985 Pontiac Fiero Transmission change

NDAVIES

MEMBER
1985 PONTIAC FIERO
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
225,000 MILES

Notes: The fiero itself has about 225,000 miles, the engine was replaced with a new jasper about 12,000 miles ago. Everything else (barring expendable parts like breaks) is original.

My Fiero has been grinding a bit when going into 4th gear for quite some time, about a month ago, it also began to have trouble getting into 1st gear unless I was completely stopped, put it in 2nd, then go to 1st.

2 days ago, 4th gear went out entirely. God-awful noise, followed by no 4th gear (1st, 2nd, 3rd and reverse work fine).

So, I'm guessing I need to replace the transmission (if anyone has another issue that might be an easier fix, please let me know).

I know it is possible to swap out the transmission without taking out the engine entirely, however, you need some sort of support system for the engine. I found instructions on fabricating such a system once upon a time, but now I can't seem to find anything of the sort.

Does anyone know where I might find instructions to fabricate such a support system?

Thanks

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

You can drop the entire cradle out the bottom of the car. The cradle is held in place by 4 bolts.

Now remember that this car is 23 years old, so bolts will be rusted and some will break.

Start by removing the center console, disconnect ECM wiring harness, the entire harness will fit through the square hole in the firewall, disconnect AC/FP relay from firewall.

Seperate C500 connector (next to battery) using 1/4 inch driver and battery/ground connections next to it.

Then disconnect fuel lines, coolant hoses, parking brake line, CV axles, calipers etc.

If you can raise the car high enough you can drop the cradle with the struts, if not scribe struts and remove knuckle to strut bolts.

One reason I like to do it this way is that when the engine cradle is out you can easily inspect (or change) waterpump, look for cracked exhaust manifolds/bolts, repair oil leaks etc.