I’m really trying to get my 1973 145 on the road in time to shoot a few pics for the IPD photo contest. I’ve got two transmissions and need to decide which one I can get going in time. I think it’s also worth putting out there that I’m one of those guys who usually ends up making some kind of dumb rookie mistake during big jobs like a tranny rebuild, so if I can avoid tearing something apart, I will. Maybe you can help. Which one of these two transmissions do you think will be a quicker save - A or B? I'm open to any insight anyone wants to provide.

Below are pics with descriptions of problems in each shift position. I only photographed trans A, but I put descriptions of both transmissions' problems with each pic.


I understand this to be neutral
Trans A = The top cover fits on fine, but when I spin the input shaft, it’s not in neutral. It is driving the output shaft. I held it and it's a direct drive.
Trans B = The top cover will not fit on in this position. When I spin it, it is in neutral.


I understand this to be first gear
Trans A = In this position both the input and output shafts are locked up - no spin. They move only a few degrees.
Trans B = I can’t get it into this position at all. The rail will not move back.


I understand this to be second gear
Trans A = In this position the input and output spin together and feel like they are in gear - like normal.
Trans B = In this position the input and output spin together and feel like they are in gear. - like normal.


I understand this to be third gear
Trans A = In this position both the input and output shafts are locked together, but they move only a few degrees.
Trans B = I can’t get it into this position at all. The rail will not move back.


I understand this to be fourth gear
Trans A = In this position both the input and output shafts are locked together, but they move only a few degrees.
Trans B = In this position the input and output spin together and feel like they are in gear - like normal.


I understand this to be reverse
Trans A = In this position both the input and output shafts are locked TIGHT. The tiny amount of wiggle allows me to tell it’s in reverse, but neither input nor output spins more than a mm.
Trans B = I can’t get it into this position at all. The rail will not move back.


For reference, here is my top cover in what I assume to be neutral. It will fit on trans A in this position with the shift rails in neutral. It will not fit on trans B with the rails in neutral.