Hey guys my buddy recently acquired a 1981 mini with a Chevy 350. The for some reason the auto tranny was bad so they replaced with a different one and still the truck would not move inder it's own power. the truck runs great but will not move forward only in reverse. If you guys have any suggestons on how to get the auto tranny working or reccomendations for a standard tranny please post up and let me know. He's dieng to drive the beast plus then I'll be able to put some pics up. This thing is cherry and he traded a Mint 1982 Honda 185 + $400 for it.
81 Minitruck w/ 350 Auto Tranny Problems
- Thread starter CruisinMT
- Start date
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I'm prone to agree with Inkpot on the shifter. Could be the first tranny was just bad, but doubt the second tranny was just bad. Make sure no part of the auto shifter is hitting the floorboard or anything else above or below the floorboard.
im not endorsing your buddy's bastard truck, but sounds like he got a smokin deal on it. 
cause it will do a lot of smokin. tires, rings and valve stem seals. 
if the trans is in fact operating properly, or was, it is likely the torque converter was not installed correctly.
when one gets installed a guy needs to turn it real good both ways on the input shaft while pushing it in.
cause it will do a lot of smokin. tires, rings and valve stem seals. if the trans is in fact operating properly, or was, it is likely the torque converter was not installed correctly.
when one gets installed a guy needs to turn it real good both ways on the input shaft while pushing it in.
Howdy! Good starter rig. With 350 power, the PS spring may have been bent due to axle wrap, since the torque are is gone. You can get them to fit a lifted truck. From the looks of the wire tie holding the lower radiator hose, the PO may have taken a lot of short cuts, so loook it over with a critical eye before it goes out on the trail and gets stranded. Looks like it has the same 3" body lift that I have on my 85. Looks like the seats are upgraded from stock. I used Supra electric seats. Fit real nice. Have fun sith it. John
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Go easy on the skinny pedal! 
Oh and have fun! Hehehe But yes, check it over good.... try to stay near home for a week or 2....
Oh and have fun! Hehehe But yes, check it over good.... try to stay near home for a week or 2....