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i installed a new motor in my 96 civic with 5-sp transaxle. i assembled the motor and trans on the bench. everything seemed to mate up fine. i even turned the motor with the plugs out to see if the final drive was working...which it was.

now it's in the car, there is no drive in any gear. the clutch seems to be working normally. the shifter is connected properly. the drive shafts are properly bolted into the hubs. i don't see how this is possible.

any ideas?

 
Rep Power: 518

Got any noises?

Does the speedo indicate some speed when you try to move?

 
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the speedo does register. and there some noises in third and fourth gears.

 
Rep Power: 518

If the speedo registers a speed that means the differential is spinning, but the mechanical connection between the differential and the wheels has been lost. Broken axle, broken or separated CV joint, etc., anything that would stop wheel movement...

I'm gonna guess you may have one of the axles not fully seated in the trans, or a problem with inner axle cup splines/diff splines to where it can't turn (at least one of) the axles.

 
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you're right. the right drive shaft isn't seated. but i cannot get it seated. it seems to be stuck...like something's stopping it going all the way in. i watched several youtubes. they just grabbed the shaft with two hands and rammed it in. that worked fine on the left shaft, but not on the right. i tried hammering with a mallet and a block of wood but that didn't work (split the boot too). i felt inside with my fingers to see if the old c clip was left in there, but felt nothing. given up for the day. try again tomorrow.

 
Rep Power: 518

Pull that axle shaft all the way out of the trans and inspect the end splines and snap ring. See if the end (tips of the splines, past the snap ring) has been twisted or damaged from not getting installed all the way in.

 
Rep Power: 0

yes. right again. the splines were damaged. i took a file to them and managed to get it in. everything's working fine now. thnx so much for your help. i won't make this mistake again!