flat4X4onthefloor Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 '84 BRAT GL, 4-speed dual-range somehow stuck in third and refuses to release...it's not the clutch. Simply can't het the shifter to move...any idea what to do, folks? Or does anyone have a good tranny they'd like to sell? Dying to get my love back on the road... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperBrat Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 (edited) Are all your tires the same size if Is it stuck in 4 wheel drive also? Edited February 15, 2015 by SuperBrat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonas Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 My '84 wagon does that in 4th (I mean STUCK) if I come to a stop w/o going into neutral or downshifting. Then, I have to get moving in 4th 'till I can get out of 4th. Try that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l75eya Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 That happened to me once in 5th gear in my GL. Are you sure the clutch is disengaging? Hows about getting the front wheels in the air and trying to get it out of gear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flat4X4onthefloor Posted February 15, 2015 Author Share Posted February 15, 2015 Yeah fellas, I've tried all of the above. It's happened before if I let the car stop with the shifter in third gear. But now it won't release from 3 regardless. Wondering if maybe the synchro ring came apart and is jammed in the works? Starting to think it's a lost cause and should be replaced outright.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spazomatic Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 Thats what mine did. For a while it would kindof hangup in 3rd, but with enough force would pop but ...then finally it was stuck stuck. I replaced it with a 5speed. Thats what i recommend....the gear spread on the 5 speed is sooo much better than the 4 speed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratsrus1 Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Hi This is Jerry, it's time to change your trans to a 5 speed dual range. I make a kit for your brat to install a 5 speed in it and everything remains stock inside of your brat, let me know if you want a kit. Thanks Jerry 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonas Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Yup, go for 5. Probably be easier to find and you'll be much happier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwtech39 Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 I'm looking at getting a 1981 hatchback 4wd . It seems like the transmission will only go in forth gear ? If I can't find exact transmission what are my options . Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 options:swap the transmission. steamboat springs has one for $150 for a 1981 Hatch: 970-879-8178 do you mean "it's stuck in 4th" or the shifter will physically only go in 4th gear. i'm not sure there's much practical difference as i'm not a trans expert, but i have a time or two seen a car stuck in gear that was the fault of the clutch...maybe i wasn't trying hard enough but a new clutch has fixed a shifter that won't come out of gear. VWtech - you're not going to have time for transmission R&R between all those ECU reflashes are you?! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford'ssubaru's Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Yep, listen to the above. Most like your synchro is has hung up. You can try removing the linkage and shift boot covers and tapping the base of the shifter with a rubber mallet. I did this and it popped out. I replaced the oil with good synthetic and haven't had a problem. That does not mean it is a guaranteed fix because the problem is still there. Just my opinion might be worth trying. Good Luck 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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