IML: 81 trans burn smell

[Matthew Gill <mgill3@xxxxxxx>]

Ok,

After i put about half a quart of trans fluid in the car, the fluid  
level was OK, but i knew there was still a leak. I just drove the  
car, although i probably shouldn't have, unless it was straight to  
the mechanic, but it was a short distance to a friends house, and i  
was curious as to how the car would react a day after putting more  
fluid in. Well, it must have all leaked out again because the car  
just didn't want to shift... Anyway, I checked the fluid while i was  
at his house to see where it was at, low and behold it looked to be  
even LOWER than the last time... well, i drove it back home (which is  
a fairly short trip) and didn't think it would be a big deal, but i  
did smell burning trans fluid on my way back, so i took it easy and  
didn't push it or anything. I got home just fine with no trans  
grinding or any noises from the trans at all, so i don't think it's a  
big deal, but just wondering if somebody could tell me whether or not  
the burning smell was a big deal or not, since i'm not exactly sure.

I did however, hear all sorts of noises from the rear end. It sounds  
to me like one of the joints are all worn out and rattling around  
back there. At times i didn't hear anything, but going over dips in  
the road (at a slow speed even) i hear the metal grinding noise from  
the rear end. One time i even felt distinct vibration coming directly  
from the rear end. Currently, i've got my rear seats out because i  
was going to do some stereo work, as well as seat reconditioning etc,  
but i haven't done that yet because i'm more worried about the  
mechanicals, so i was able to hear everything pretty clearly.

So, seems to me that the U joints (at least the rear one) is  
DEFINITELY in bad shape, and i need to get that replaced, along with  
just buying a trans tune-up kit and having that done, so it'll hold  
it's fluid.

Just writing to get any tips or opinions from a lot of you who are  
much more knowledgeable. And no, I'm not going to move that thing  
until it's going right to the mechanic.. I've got another half quart  
of fluid to dump in it when i have to do that.

The help is always appreciated
-Matt


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