Author Topic: 4-speed/5-speed swap (Read 4114 times)

Northboundtrain · « **on:** March 09, 2005, 02:41:38 pm »

I'm putting a new engine in the caddy. While I have the 4-speed tranny out of the truck, I'm wondering if I can substitute a 5-speed that I have laying around. I don't have the shift linkages for the 5-speed, just what is in the truck now. Will the 4-speed linkage work for the 5-speed? If not, can it be modified without too much trouble?

By the way, the caddy is an '81 and the 5-speed came out of an '82 Rabbit.

Thanks for the help, you guys are an incredible resource!

I hope this post is appropriate for this forum. It's a tranny question, but hey they are diesel trannys. Anyway, feel free to let me know if it's not.

Dr. Diesel · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2005, 03:19:35 pm »

I think all you need to do is change the longer of the two shift relay rods (the ones with the plastic ball socket ends) to 5 speed.

Northboundtrain · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2005, 07:33:11 pm »

Thanks. Without a 5-speed donor, it sounds like I better stick with the 4-speed.

fatmobile · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2005, 01:03:01 am »

It's not that tough but it is good to find a donor for some of the parts.
http://www.vwdieselparts.com/parts.htm
Half way down on the above link, it shows you a picture of a couple of the linkage parts that are different.
I believe the vertical lever (the one that moves when you move the shifter left to right) is longer and the ball that fits into it and moves when you move the shifter front to back is either bigger or smaller.

MayorDJQ · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2005, 07:40:13 am »

It's really not that tough. I did this on a '80 Rabbit about 3 years ago. You need the 5 speed relay rod and the 5 speed trans mount that goes on the end of the trans and mounts to the inner fender. Depending on the year of the trans, the back up light switch might not match, but that's no big deal. I just wired mine to a toggle switch.