transmission woes

I am hoping that someone out there may be able to lend me a hand in rectifying this problem.
I recently put in the transmission to a 1987 celica ST with a 3SFE engine;I believe that it is a 53 series tranny-manual. Anyhow, here is the problem:
When the car starts up, I cannot put it any gear. It acts as though something is stopping it from selecting any gear. The try in reverse only gives me a grinding noise. But, when the car is not started, I can find ALL of the gears without problems.
Also, if I try to start it in first gear with the clutch pedal depressed, the car tries to jump ahead as I crank it- As though the gear is already engaged, even with the clutch pedal depressed to the floor.
Can someone direct me in the right direction, because I may have to drop the tranny again. Thanks. Naraine

I know this sounds stupid, but is your clutch pedal connected properly?

I know this sounds stupid, but is your clutch pedal connected properly?
I believe that the clutch pedal is connected correctly because whenever it is depressed, the lever (fork) moves a considerable distance, leading me to believe that the hydraulic system is also working properly. Is there anything else I should know or check to ensure proper connection? Every bit helps. Thank you for the input. Naraine

that sounds liek a clutch problem

Thank you for the diagnosis. But can you be a little more specific. Could the problem be the the disc, throw out bearing, clutch pedal or the pressure plate. I am in the process of pulling the tranny again. Maybe this info. may narrow down the culprit. Thanks again.............Naraine

I experienced this with my 88 celica st. The problem was not the clutch, but the mechanisem that makes the car go into gear. It's a 30 part. It's right next to the oil filter.

Holy Thread Ressurection Djkurious Man!!!

I have a 91 celica gt conv. auto trans it shifts fine from 1 to 2 but i have to speed up faster than normal and let off the gas for it to shift.trans fluid at full mark. any help?

I know I am a little late, but my Celica rebuild I did, I had the same problem. Turns out the clutch disc was in backwards. They should be marked this side out or something like that. Flipped it around and it worked perfect. A little of a pain to have it in then pull it back out then put it back in! Now I have to replace some syncros! arghhhhhh