Nissan Repair: 1992 nissan maxima transmission, cv driveshaft, nissan maxima

Question
i have a 1992 nissan maxima SOHC 6cyl. automatic with 197k miles. i was taking off from a stop light at normal acceleration and reached approx. 30-35 mph. when all of a sudden i heard a slight "pop" and the car acted as if i shifted into neutral. i coasted to the side of the road and it wouldnt engage in any forward gears or reverse. i put the vehicle in park and had to tow it later. i havent been able to afford to have it checked out by certified mechanics but i have asked around and have been told it could be anything from a shift modulator, the axle, to possibly (hopefully not) the transmission. dont transmissions usually slip for awhile before they go out? my transmission has always felt strong and has never slipped. what are some key elements i can eliminate before i have to drop the transmission out of the vehicle? thank you in advance for your professional advice!

Answer
Chris,

Either the CV driveshaft popped or the torque converter or pump, inside the transmission are broken.  Get the car up on stands and see how the CV driveshafts look.  The dirver's side is the pulling driveshaft and if that one is broken you will see it as you turn the wheel.  Otherwise, the transmission is shot and will have to be gone through (about $2000 bucks).  Or, a wrecking yard transmission can be sourced for about $500 bucks.