I need mechanical advice.

I own a 87' F150 4.9L, 4sp manual. Shifting gears while driving became very stiff and it would grind when I try to put it in reverse. It shifts nicely when I have the engine off, so I would not think it is a gear box problem. I also notice that I have to press the clutch all the way down before I can shift gears. I am hoping it would not be a clutch or transmission problem, but something simple like a cable adjustment or replacing a brushing.

Thank you all in advance for your advice.

 

...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand this site.
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.

 

It could be as simple as a bushing. Look at the linkage under the dash, that goes from the clutch pedal to the master cylinder pushrod, just above the accelerator pedal. Press the clutch and watch for any free-play in the linkage. There are several plastic bushings in the linkage, with one on the cross-shaft lever where it attaches to the master cylinder pushrod being the one most likely for failure.

 

Hmmmm.... the straight 6 with the ol T18 4 speed. How do you like that granny gear? I loved the setup. Anyways to be honest, any T18 i've driven had all the problems you're describing. That tranny was made for a tank. Shiftin em while its cold outside is even funner cause it normally takes both hands lol. Good tranny, just might have to hit the gym to pump up your arms to shift the ol beast. Sounds like to me that you might have a clutch gettin ready to puke on ya. My ranger did the same thing. You could not put it into gear even if the clutch pedal was on the floor. I'd look into a throwout bearing and some other things.

 

I will try to look more into the bushing method. In the meantime, I added washers in front of the master/ slave cylinder to give a clutch slightly more lift. It is working so far, but it is not a long term fix.

You are on the mark about the tank hauler, handyman!

 

An I6 with that T18 was a tractor and nothing less...