Out for a short cruise . . .

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Put the rear wheels up on jack stands and then remove the spark plugs. Next take the hand crank and if possible turn engine while someone watches and listens for problems. go through the gears while checking and see if you turn up any clues. Good luck and report back with the findings.

agreed, but

wont even have to turn the crank: jack up the rearend safely, put trans in gear and should be able to rotate the rear wheels - one will spin opposite of the other. If it does that means the spider gears and axle shafts are OK.

Then pop it in neutral, have a buddy hold one wheel while you turn the other - driveshaft should turn. if it doesnt its something in the rearend or U joint. If your questioning the trans, drain the fluid thru a cloth and see what particles are in there and pop the top off and check the gears. Should drain the rearend as well and see what chunks you get.

Im guessing once you came to a halt with the engine running you tried to drive again? What did it do as you let the clutch out? just bog and die?