Well, I'll cast my vote for the tranny being good. You say the linkages are adjusted properly, but I'll say start there AGAIN starting at the rubber bushing inside the shifter and re-adjust the bars (to make sure it's going FULLY into 3rd.)

The sound with the clutch in is the throw-out, if it happens only in 3rd, then again, I think there's something weird with the linkage not quite getting 3rd seated.

Check if the sound is the same in 3rd with the clutch in as it is in neutral with the clutch in.

Also, could be the new spring for the 3rd synchro is stiff, AFTER re-adjusting the linkage, drive it for a while and get everything good and hot. Might "fix" the problem.

Good luck, I suspect I'll be in this same place very soon with mine!

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1984 300D Turbo - 4-speed manual conversion, mid-level resto

1983 300D - parts car

1979 300TD Auto - Parts car.

1985 300D Auto - Wrecked/Parts.


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"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there". Lewis Carrol