It's the throw out bearing. On top of that, I forced it to get me to work and back for three days. That caused breakage with some hard parts.

I'm paying $750 for a 3 year 36 month guarantee as well as BRAND NEW internals inside a used casing. Also paying for the transmission that came stock (in Jap.) with my motor.

Cost to have my current trans rebuilt (90 day warantee): $600
Cost for PROPER trans and all new internals (36mo warantee): $750

...makes sense to me. Also, both of those prices include a new clutch assembly and resurfacing the flywheel. (conidering a clutch alone is roughly $300, I'm not making out TOO bad).

There are VERY few DIY transmission rebuilders. I am certainly NOT getting into that ...

Initial symptoms included jumpy third gear... hardly noticeable.
Second clue was difficulty switching out of gears.
Next came problems switching into gears.
Next problem was the clutch not fully disengaging (required throttle push to switch out/switch in to gear)
Lastly was a full lockup in first gear. Turning the key forward resulting in the car surging forward even with the clutch down with the added inability of not being able to get to second.

Upon inspection it turned out to be the throw out bearing causing initial problems with clutch disengagement (particularly noticeable.. driving in second, switch to third, release clutch, feel a jerk), and me causing the rest of the problems. I'm almost positive that it simply could not handle 90-120mph to and from work (40 mi highway, 15mi with 9 lights).

..But I couldn't go through with it. I just couldn't sell it. I always promised her I'd garage her someday and make her a project when I was in a good financial position.