Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
81 VW Pickup 5 speed install-Can't get 5th gear to engage
Forum Index -> Water-cooled VW Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Cuppy
Samba Member


Joined: January 08, 2015
Posts: 1
Location: Pennsylvania
Cuppy is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 12:56 pm    Post subject: 81 VW Pickup 5 speed install-Can't get 5th gear to engage Reply with quote

I installed an 81 VW Pickup 5 speed in my 82 VW Pickup in order to replace its 4 speed transmission. Gears one through 4 engage and reverse does too. I used the 82 existing 4 speed shifter on the 81 5 speed transmission and can't engage 5th gear. If I need to use the 81's 5 speed shifter to solve my problem, please advise. Can someone please help me solve this problem?
Thanks
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
arne2
Samba Member


Joined: January 27, 2015
Posts: 20

arne2 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 3:04 pm    Post subject: Re: 81 VW Pickup 5 speed install-Can't get 5th gear to engage Reply with quote

Shift linkage for 4 and 5 speeds is different. Several of the parts are not interchangeable. You need to use Mk1 5 speed linkage parts.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ps2375
Samba Member


Joined: April 24, 2014
Posts: 2471
Location: Meridian,ID
ps2375 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 3:11 pm    Post subject: Re: 81 VW Pickup 5 speed install-Can't get 5th gear to engage Reply with quote

If the linkage is tight, with some finesse, you can make the 4 speed linkage work. But, best to get the few 5 speed parts to swap in and then it'll be super easy.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Butcher
Samba Member


Joined: December 05, 2015
Posts: 1285
Location: Right Here
Butcher is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 9:26 am    Post subject: Re: 81 VW Pickup 5 speed install-Can't get 5th gear to engage Reply with quote

I would agree. My first 5 speed conversion I was able to adjust the ratio of the shifter by lengthening/shortening the levers. Basically, you need to lengthen the left right throw of the shifter to move the transmission side further to get to the 5th gear. You'll need some type of welder.

It is simpler to get the right linkage.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Water-cooled VW All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.