The gears are thicker. Saab made the 5-speed gears smaller to accommodate a fifth. The gearbox case itself is also stronger (but heavier); this is not an issue for an unmodified car.

As for the pinion bearing, I suppose it's not as robust, though I don't know what size it is vs. the 5-speeds. But even the later 5-speed boxes with the bigger bearing aren't immune. I only got about 150k out of my '89. Change your gear oil yearly...

----------

One minor thing I just remembered about putting a 4-speed into a Turbo car -- you'll need to either get a 4-speed downpipe bracket or customize a standard, newer 5-speed type.

There are two types of 4-speed brackets -- one bolts to the diff cover; the other shares three of the inner driver bolts. The first version was discontinued by Saab because the bolts vibrated out, then the gear oil followed. You know what happens next. Saab sold a replacement kit -- the bracket that mounts to the inner driver. This is a better solution.

If you have a diff-mounted bracket, you might consider wiring the bolts so they don't loosen. I was advised to use red loctite on the inner driver mount.

As for customizing the 5-speed mount, you'll need to grind off the three 1/2-inch washers that are tack welded on. Then, practice fit and see where the gearbox's cooling fins contact the bracket. Grind out a notch deep enough to clear the fin. Honestly, I got this far but never used the mount because I scored a stock 4-speed bracket...


posted by 66.238.97...

• should I put a 4 speed or 5 speed in my 900?, davidm, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 13:34:38
  • Rebult engine, but not rebuilding the tranny??, EnG, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 20:07:47
  • Rebult engine, but not rebuilding the tranny??, EnG, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 20:07:27
  • Re: should I put a 4 speed or 5 speed in my 900?, Starch, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 17:16:33
    • Agree, gorper, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 18:51:05
      • Re: Agree, John G, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 19:15:45
        • Re: Agree, gorper, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 20:22:53 <-- Viewing This Message
          • More on the downpipe bracket, gorper, Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:41:41
          • thanks guys. I'll try the 4 speed route..., davidm, Tue, 21 Sep 2004 05:26:29

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