story:
well guys, i wrecked my '88 gta, but the engine is still OK. i want to drop the engine into a new body. i found a new body, and it comes with a 5 speed transmission. my question is...whats the best way to check if the transmission is good? i cant drive it because the differential is locked up. the guy said its locked up because the motor in there is a beast, and the guy he bought it from had left the stock rear end in and it couldnt handle the power.

cliffnotes :
1. theres a body with a 5 speed transmission in it
2. i need to test the tranny before i buy it.
3. i cant drive the car because the differential is damaged.
4. how can i test the tranny?

my friend suggested to take out the drive shaft and have someone "Drive" the car while someone else lays under the car and checks to see if the transmission is turning. is that a good idea?

There are a number of clues as to the trans condition: The trans has been subjected to the same abuse as the rear. Even if it accidentally happens to still be working at the moment, I wouldn't count on it lasting for very long.

Sounds like this car had an abusive driver. More than any one other thing, driver habits determine how long a stick-shift drive train will last.

i would also like to know if there was any things to check on a t5 that would indicate a problem. i found an 86 firebird w/ a 5spd in a junkyard that i want to take teh trans from but im leary of problems it may have, even if it does have a 30 day warrenty. one thing i noitced, does 3rd gear sit a little "lower" then 1st ? when i was playing with the shifter it seemed like 3rd gear is lower then 1st.

so how can i test the transmission?