Strange Toploader Shifting Problems...Any advice?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Timnath, CO.
Strange Toploader Shifting Problems...Any advice?
Hey guys I know there's a lot of Ford Knowledge on here outside of our Trucks so I thought I'd post here before signing up on a Mustang Forum to ask. My truck developed a problem shifting to 1st and 3rd the past 2 weeks or so. It shifts fine the first 10 mins or so of driving, and then once it's warmed up it's refuses to go into 1st or 3rd. Sometimes you can force it but there's a hell of a grind. If I can get it in gear it doesn't pop out (like it would if the syncros were shot). If I park the truck for a while it shifts fine again for the first 10 mins. I've checked the fluid, and it's full (pulled the fill plug and it started pouring out). The shift linkages are also nice and tight. No excessive play. Have any of you experienced anything like this before? It shifts into R and 2nd fine all the time that makes me think it's not a clutch issue.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Timnath, CO.
Definitely not a Borg Warner T-10. It a 3 spd H pattern Toploader with reverse at the top (where 1st normally is). I was told it was from a 64 Fairlane if that helps id it better. If the blockers were hung up or broken wouldn't I have the problem all the time? Do you think the fluid might be getting too thin once it's heated and possibly causing a problem? When shifting it feels like it goes into gear. What I mean is it doesn't feel like the shift mechanisms aren't moving or binding or fighting me. The shifter feels like it normally does but there's no gear there.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, California
Sounds kinda like the tranny is getting hot. When metal gets hot, it grows. Never a good thing when close tolerances and moving parts are involved.
The first thing I would do is drain the gear lube and see what comes out, if anything.
The first thing I would do is drain the gear lube and see what comes out, if anything.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Timnath, CO.
One step ahead of you. I just got done draining the trans, and filled it up with 75w90 GL5 gear oil so I would know whats in there for sure. The parts store didn't have any GL4 oil. They might not even carry it anymore. The 2 guys that work there didn't even know what I was talking about, and tried to sell me a lucas additive for slipping automatic transmissions. Anyway, what came out was black like used motor oil that wasn't changed regularly, and had a rusty sheen to it. The drain plug has a magnet on it, and it was caked with metal particles. No chunks of metal, but lots of fine particles. I went for a 10 minute drive around the neighborhood afterwards, and after false hope the problem remains. I hope its not too late for this trans. I should of drained and replaced everything when I bought it 2 years ago.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I assume this trans has an externally mounted shifter and linkage? It's possible the linkage is not adjusted correctly and getting warm is just enough to block the action. It's just too coincidental that neither of the gears forward in the pattern can be selected. There is nothing in the trans itself connecting the R-1 and 2-3 forks. Something would have to be really wrong for the trans to get hot after a drive around the block.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Timnath, CO.
I assume this trans has an externally mounted shifter and linkage? It's possible the linkage is not adjusted correctly and getting warm is just enough to block the action. It's just too coincidental that neither of the gears forward in the pattern can be selected. There is nothing in the trans itself connecting the R-1 and 2-3 forks. Something would have to be really wrong for the trans to get hot after a drive around the block.
Trending Topics
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Ford type 3.03 3 speed manual all syncromesh transmission, introduced in 1963 full sized Ford/Merc, Fairlane/Meteor V8, F100/250.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Timnath, CO.
Just wanted to follow up and thank everyone for their suggestions. I spent 2 hours this morning readjusting the shift linkages, greasing the shifter, and the problem is resolved! She shifts better than ever now. I first tried the preferred method (pin in the hole) with the trans in neutral, but that made things worse. Must be how the shifter was mounted. I ended up aligning the 2 shifter plates together about a half inch behind the center, and it's like butter now. I just went for a 30 min drive thru the country to confirm. Thanks again everyone!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
4BT-F150
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Oct 29, 2009 08:40 PM