Buying a dual range question...

[cjewellz]

So, I found a 5 speed dual range transmission out of an 85 GL for sale, and I want to put in my 92 Loyale. It is in a car with no engine, which is great for me to pull it out quick and easy, but I am worried about not being able to confirm the operation first. It's cheap, so I guess if I get it home and it doesn't work in all gears it's not major money lost, what I am worried about is all the time I will have wasted if it isn't a good trans. I dont recall ever hearing of one of these Transmissions breaking, but is there any way to be sure it's not junk before I pull it? Anything I should keep an eye out for? Or just roll the dice? Also, what are my chances of the gear ratios being the same between the 85 GL, and the 92 Loyale? Thanks in advance!

[987687]

Gear ratio is 3.90, if your loyale is a manual (and not turbo), it's the same gear ratio. Shift the transmission through all gears, 4wd, high and low. Make sure they all click in.  Grab the input shaft and make sure it doesn't have too much play in it, side to side or in/out. See if it's leaking a ton of oil out of all the seals or not. 

Would be great if it still has the oil in it, take a drain pan and drain the oil. Make sure it's clean, not black, and not full of swirly metal or chunks of anything.

 

It's going to hard to tell if it has bad input bearings or crunchy synchros, especially if you can't look at the oil. You win some, you lose some..

Edited February 3, 2017 by 987687

[987687]

I guess also check to make sure it doesn't have a ton of play in the axle stubs.

[idosubaru]

"why is it cheap?" is often telling and goes a long way. 

[Numbchux]

Not much market for them. I've purchased a couple Part Time 4WD dual ranges for $100ish from local junkyards over the years. And I didn't even have to pull them.

 

 

Make sure it's actually a 5-speed (and therefore an EA82. EA81s were made in the same year, and are considerably different, but the 4WD EA81s would be a 4 speed).

 

The non-turbo cars put out so little power, they really don't fail too often. So the above-mentioned methods of checking for issues should be pretty reliable. The drain plug is magnetic, so expect to see some "dust" from the syncros as they wear, but chunks are a bad sign. And yea, if the gear oil is badly discolored, you'd probably want to walk away.

[cjewellz]

Thanks All,
987687 - Like you said, "you win some and you loose some".  I will do all suggested - wiggle and jiggle the shaft to check for play.  Check the axles for slop. and shift into all the gears.  I figured the oil would be pretty telling too, so I will pull the plug and check for chunks.  I am sure it will be fine.  I just wanted to get y'all's thoughts.
It's only $50, so no big deal if it isn't good. The trans is cheap because it is sitting in a car that was parted out for another project.  I did verify over the phone that it is a 5 speed. 
Like I said, life is so busy lately that I am more worried about loosing the time required to install and pull it back out if I find it is no good.  I cant wait to have that 4wd low range.  Once I put the 27" tires on, it was evident that I needed a dual range.  In high school I had a buddy that drove a 88 GL.  That thing was unstoppable!  So much fun to take to the Mt., or go camping in.  I use mine mostly for commuting to work, and rock-hounding.  I want to say thanks to you all for the quick responses, and input.  Out of all the forums I have belonged to, USMB is by far the best one out there.  I really appreciate how everyone is helpful and encouraging rather than trolling, and berating each other for something ridiculous.  Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
Chris