Posted this in another section, figure I'd probably get more help over here since it's more of a trans/clutch problem than the whole truck.


So I keep thinking about the transmission in my truck. I was just going to replace it with a rebuilt unit, but I'm starting to think it is unnecessary. It's an '88 F150, 4x4, 300ci 6 cyl, with the M5R2, and 128,000 miles. Here's my symptoms:

-Grinds slightly shifting to 2nd, unless you shift it just right. Double clutching stops it. If you shift easy into 2nd, it goes in just fine as well. This would be easy to deal with if it were the only problem

-Pops out of 5th gear after shifting into it, and stepping on the throttle. Does not grind going into gear.

-Screaching noise when clutch pedal is depressed. I think this may be the clutch release bearing.

-Shifts great into gear when the truck is off.

It doesn't grind shifting into any other gears other than 2nd, and it does not pop out of any other gears including reverse. I'm starting to think the 5th gear shift fork and synchro are ok. The transmission was replaced by a previous owner, but I'm pretty sure this is just a used unit. I don't think it has been rebuilt. I also think the clutch is the original clutch, along with the pilot bearing/bushing and throwout bearing. Also while I was underneath, I noticed the lowest left side bolt was loose, and the next bellhousing bolt above it was missing. Have not had a chance to drive since, since the clutch hydraulic line developed a leak.

I suppose what I'm asking is, is it reasonable to think that this bad release bearing, worn out pilot bearing/bushing, and loose/missing bellhousing bolt could cause only my 5th gear to be bad?


On a side note, I replaced the fluid with new ATF, and the old stuff was pink. Very pink. Like a strawberry milkshake or pepto bismol. I was under the impression this meant there was coolant in an automatic transmission, but I don't know what to think about it in a manual transmission.