I came into some free stuff via craigslist a couple days ago, I think I made out well myself, got 3 mid to late 80's EA81 motors a couple of tranny's and other misc parts, oh and a whole 82 wagon with running engine for free. Anyway, I was wondering if there is a way to tell visually the difference between the 4spd and 5spd tranny? Thanks. John

4 spds have a long skinny extension housing on the back. The pivot for the shifter is on this extension. Also if it's a 4spd dual range, the dual range rod will run along the drivers side of the trans.

 

If it's a 5spd, it'll be shorter, not as skinny at the back end, and the dual range rod runs down the passenger side