Help, in over my head! Placing the tranny in first without shifter
 

How does one put the transaxle in first gear when adjusting the coupler? How do I know it's in first gear? I just spent one hell of a morning cursing and swearing in the garage. No fun :(

Thanks,

Alex

Assuming this is a 915 from your indicated 84 3.2 car.

When looking at the transmission select shaft... turn shift couple CCW and push back.

or turn towards passenger side and then push toward engine.

When in neutral you should be able to freely rotate L and R. You should feel a click when you push it into gear.

Thank JP, I'll go and try that!

I'll add a fun fact: the front shift coupler reverses the movement of the shifter.
Sooo, if you are looking at the transmission (like you are looking out the back window), the shift pattern is identical to the one on the shift knob.