My '53 sticking in 3rd gear!

N

northeastcarnut

Junior Member
My '53 Ford V8 with standard transmission locks it self in third gear! I have to crawl under with a wrench to release. It still does it again. I did change the input shaft prior to this problem. Does that have something to do with it?
 
If I had to guess I’d say that the synchro assembly is hanging up. Perhaps one or more of the synchro inserts (aka keys, dogs, plates, etc) is sticking out. A wrench on the shifter lever would probably force the synchro sleeve back over a hung up insert but obviously you cannot keep relying on a wrench to shift, plus this will eventually damage the inserts, if not already fubar.

I’d plan on pulling the trans and checking out the problem better. When you replaced the input shaft, did you take the complete transmission apart?
 
Check the shift levers and their adjustment at the transmission. When the levers are even, the blocker in the transmission will allow the levers to be moved by hand into and out of gear. When you finish that test, view the levers on the steering column to see if they are aligned. If not, adjust the linkage between the levers and the transmission. If all seems well, it is likely the shift tube between the dash and the steering box has become worn and sloppy, affecting full engagement and release of the gears. That part of the shift mechanism is prone to wear, affecting gear shifting.
 
When I replaced the input shaft, that is all I did. Nothing else disturbed. The input shaft was a n.o.s. I think it may be a little different. The transmission will be out to repair. I can't carry around a large wrench to unstick it. Maybe the old input shaft will be going back in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top