No fluid after pulling tranny drain plug

[jgio213]

Like the title says, there was barely a dribble of fluid when I removed the drain plug in my 1g AWD 5 speed tranny. How much trouble am I dealing with. The input and output shafts are free of play and spin easily with no noises or anything. The shift linkage is working and moving through the gears. Hard to tell if either of the axle shafts have leaked but they're being replaced, and tranny will be refilled with MT-90. Is it worth trying to run this transmission? Is there anything else I can inspect to see if its wrecked? Or should I just cut my losses now. Ive never ran this car just got it as is and attempting to get it back in order. I'd hate to put this on the brand new motor to find out its junk and just rip it out again. Thanks for any input.

 

[donniekak]

Are you sure you pulled the drain plug and not the fill plug?

 

[chrysler kid]

Purchased non running?

I would inspect the trans and transfer case extremely thoroughly when removed, scrub them down and paint them to inspect for cracks.

On a non runner it's not shocking. You can try to click through the gears while spinning the input shaft, or using a small camera to inspect inside, but the best answer is to ask the last owner

 

[jgio213]

Transfer case was in good shape and had plenty of fluid in it, no metal shavings found on plug. No cracks noted. And yea purchased non running. So while clicking through the gears should the input shaft not be moving? Because it spins freely while going through them.

 

[jgio213]

And yes I'm positive its the correct drain plug / fill plug. Pic attached.

 

[jgio213]

dammit, now pic attached...

 

[pauleyman]

dammit, now pic attached...

Pic doesn't answer the question as both plugs are removed.

 

[jgio213]

Pic doesn't answer the question as both plugs are removed.

Lower left is drain removed first.

 

[pauleyman]

Yup. At least pull the end cover off

 

[jgio213]

Yea I was thinking of at least peaking in there, but I have never messed with a transmission internally so I got cold feet. I'll at least pop it open to look for any obvious signs of damage though, and see what happens.

 

[pauleyman]

You have nothing to lose

 

[streetraceboi]

Yea I was thinking of at least peaking in there, but I have never messed with a transmission internally so I got cold feet. I'll at least pop it open to look for any obvious signs of damage though, and see what happens.

Its time to get them feet wet