Hello,

I just bought an 1982 datsun 720 diesel and 5th gear is shot.

Anyone know which transmissions will fit if I keep my bell housing and starter?

Locally someone is selling a 240Z 5spd but I don't know if that would fit.

any advice is appreciated.

I'm pretty sure the s30 transmissions are compatible with the older Datsun trucks....I'd do some more searching and get some answers. Can you post up some pics of the truck? I'd be really interested in seeing it Diesel FTW

Thanks - so do you think a 280zx transmission would fit?

Here is the description from a local ad ad:Datsun 280ZXEngine inline 6, 2.8L, L28E N42, + 5 speed transmission

re: my new truck - I would post some pictures but I don't have one of those hosting services. The truck looks pretty rough.

It might work.

That transmission in your diesel should be the same one found on the gas engine versions of the 720. That includes the 4x4 and 2WD versions.

The biggest difference in the tranny's is going to be the tail shaft length. The 4x4 trannys have a shorter tail shaft than their 2WD cousins because of the position of the divorced transfer case. The bell housing and starter bolt patterns are all the same.

I plucked 5 speed from a 2WD, 1979 720 and installed it in my 1985 4x4 720. All I had to do was get the factory drive shaft shortened 2 inches. The splines on the output shaft (tailshaft) were the same too.

It is my impression that the diesel version has the starter on the wrong side.

I have been told I could use a 280 transmission by keeping and using my diesel starter and bell housing. But I can not see how my bell housing is removable, I can only see that the transmission can be broken in the middle.

My problem is that mine won't stay in 5th, maybe someone has another suggestion on how to repair my transmission rather than replacing.