I need some expert diagnosis on this issue. I have read a ton of posts on transmission problems but it seems that there are so many variables it's difficult to determine the problem.

I have a 1986 Camaro with a carb'd 305. The T5 transmission is a used transmission (not rebuild) that was recently installed by the previous owner. It has a new clutch, throw out bearing and clutch master cylinder - he did not replace the slave cylinder.

I was coming off the interstate and was braking/downshifting when the transmission started to get really hard to shift. I was able to continue to shift just barely to get it to the side of the road. When parked, and with the engine running I could force the shifter to move through the gears about 60% of the time - but the transmission would not engage any different gear (transmission sounded like it was moving through the gears). However, the car just remained in 4th gear. Pressing the clutch would not engage neutral unless the engine was running.

Question: Is the trans toast or could it be the slave cylinder?

 

sounds similar to a problem i had . the clutch stud/pivot ball had backed out . the previous owner may have re-installed stud/pivot ball with out useing locktite . it's on the back of the bell housing , drivers side , where the tranny mates . the clutch fork pivots on the stud/pivot ball . it can be re-tightened with a 3/8 allen . its tight but doeable , small channel locks help . use brake cleaner on stud , apply locktite , tighten all the way . hope this helps . good luck .