1973 AMC GREMLIN

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 1st and 2nd gear, especially when cold, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark red or brown fluid, Complete loss of forward gears

Fix: Chrysler TorqueFlite used in these was reliable in trucks but undersized for the Gremlin application. Rebuild requires 8-12 hours labor, includes clutch packs, bands, seals, and torque converter inspection. Often find worn direct clutch drum and hardened seals. Transmission mount failure accelerates wear—check mounts annually.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking from underneath on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds that worsens over time, Visible play in torque tube at differential or transmission

Fix: AMC's torque tube design uses rubber bushings that dry-rot and collapse, especially if the car sat. Requires dropping the torque tube assembly—3-5 hours labor. Aftermarket bushings available but fit varies. While it's apart, inspect U-joints and differential mounts. Not a safety-critical failure but makes the car miserable to drive.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Symptoms: Hesitation on acceleration, flat spots in throttle response, Stalling at idle when warm, Black smoke from exhaust, fuel smell, Hard starting when hot

Fix: 1973 was first year of serious emissions controls—Carter YF single-barrel or Motorcraft 2100 two-barrel choked with vacuum lines and primitive EGR. Most have been 'modified' poorly over 50 years. Proper rebuild with correct jetting and restoring vacuum controls: 3-4 hours. Many shops just throw a Holley 1940 on and call it done (1.5 hours), which works but isn't original. Expect to chase vacuum leaks and timing issues.

Estimated cost: $300-800

Symptoms: Visible holes in driver's side floor pan near rocker, Rust bubbling behind rear wheels at quarter panel seam, Soft or spongy floor under carpet, Rust perforation around rear shock mounts

Fix: AMC used single-stage primer and minimal undercoating. Floor pans rust from inside-out due to clogged drain holes. Rear quarters trap moisture at the seam. Patch work is temporary—proper repair requires cutting and welding replacement panels (8-15 hours labor depending on severity). Rear shock mounts rusting through is structural and dangerous. Check these areas before purchase—many have Bondo and paint hiding perforation.

Estimated cost: $1,200-3,500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil dripping from bell housing area onto ground, Oil accumulation on back of engine block, Transmission fluid contaminated with engine oil in severe cases

Fix: AMC inline-sixes used a two-piece rear main seal prone to leaking as the rope seal hardens. Requires transmission removal—6-8 hours labor. While it's out, replace pilot bushing and inspect flywheel. Rope seal installation is tricky; many techs convert to modern neoprene seal (fits 1971-up blocks). Not urgent unless it's dripping a quart every 500 miles, but it will only get worse.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering wander and vague feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Visible play when prying on tire with car jacked

Fix: Upper and lower ball joints wear, especially lowers. AMC used pressed-in joints that require specialized tools or a shop press—4-6 hours for both sides with alignment. Catastrophic failure can separate the spindle from control arm at speed. Inspect annually on any Gremlin with original or unknown suspension parts. While doing this, check idler arm and tie rod ends—they typically wear together.

Estimated cost: $500-900