Rebuild tranny or get another one?

[Todd95TSi]

I do not have 1st gear, I CAN force it in when downshifting from 2nd (while in motion) and 2nd grinds a little when downshifting. If I try to shift into 1st, it just grinds and jumps out of gear. I'm pretty sure 2nd gear is worn syncros. I'm not sure on 1st gear. Now my question is this: Should I crack open this tranny, replace 2nd gear synchros and whatever is wrong with 1st gear, or just get a used tranny from a junk yard. I wish I could get a nice new tranny but $$$ is tight.

I would kinda like to avoid the downtime involved in rebuilding, but if it saves a lot of money and hassle, then so be it.

I know when opening the tranny I will need to replace seals etc, appx $250 in parts plus replacing broken pieces.

I will be doing this work with a friend over summer, and we both have quite a bit of automotive knowledge when it comes to engines and stuff, however niether of us have (successfully ) opened up a tranny...... But have removed them(multiple times.) We do however know to put everything back where it came from, unless it doesnt belong there. I guess thats kinda common sense though...........

BTW its AWD, which ups the price of a tranny quite a bit.....

If I were to replace the tranny from what years would fit and what would be best for the money?

 

[boosted59]

well you can only use a tranny from a 95-up Awd and it will be pricey for a good used one. Your 1-2 shift fork sounds like its really worn ( ihad the same problems) and I'm sure the 2nd gear syncro is bad. The parts aren't that expensive and I wouldn't mess with the seals unless they are leaking because they can be a real PITA. YOU NEED TO GET THE REAL MANUAL FOR THE CAR! The parts are easy to replace but there are endplay specs that YOU MUST CHECK otherwise you will destry the tranny and waste all the money you put into it. Not the haynes manual either. A mitsu repair shop should have the manual on how to do all this but if not PM me and I can probably get the specs but you really need the no bs book.