[Shotimes] TRANNY HELP ASAP!

[Matt Mullis]

Tonight merging on the interstate my tranny/clutch just grenaded. I was
accelerating in 3rd up to about 65mph. As soon as I pushed in the clutch pedal
to shift to 5th I heard grinding, popping and metal dropping from the bottom
of the passeneger side of the car. It sounded like change falling from your
pocket. Other cars were swerving and braking, so I know I dropped something
from underneath. I managed to get the car into 5th gear and it pulled like
there were no problems. It accelerated briskly and drove smoothly. Upon
arriving at my exit I put the car in nuetral and coasted up to the stop light.
When the light turned green I noticed I was unable to get it into any gears
other than 3rd and 5th. Starting in 3rd isn't a big problem, but the smell of
burning clutch is. I just recently had the tranny rebuilt with new axles and a
centerforce stage 2 clutch made specifically for my car running N20. The
company said they would build it to hold up to 450hp. It should last a
lifetime. It's been about 6 months! When I first had it done I drove it hard
just about every weekend, tearing off such impressive 1/8th mile times as
9.3s@78mph . I'm also wondering if the recurring grinding/popping noise I've
been hearing from the passenger front is part to blame. It sounds like worn
out bushings or perhaps a faulty steering knuckle. I attributed this to cold
weather and original motorcraft suspension. Now the noise is amplified. Is
this car junk? Is it time to move on? Does anyone know if I would need a new
clutch or a whole tranny? Anyone selling a clean Gen1? Anyone want to buy a
nice Gen1 with two gears? I need help quickly. I have to work tomorrow. Please
feel free to call me with comments or suggestions. My number is 205-823-9452.
Also if someone can help, but would rather I call them, I can do that also.
Thanks for your help.

"Turbo" Matty P