ZF synchro problem

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Mar 8, 2019 | 01:06 PM

Kapusta

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 3,191

Likes: 2,007

From: SW Washington

ZF synchro problem

.............problem solved

Mar 8, 2019 | 01:11 PM

ford390gashog

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 26,007

Likes: 575

From: Brentwood,CA

Don't attempt to fix it just sell it as is. The ZF5 is a real PITA and requires total teardown and is not for the faint of heart. Besides if you really want to get into first while moving just float the gears.

Mar 8, 2019 | 01:58 PM

Kapusta

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 3,191

Likes: 2,007

From: SW Washington

.............problem solved

Mar 9, 2019 | 07:23 AM

EPNCSU2006

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,557

Likes: 44

From: Concord, NC

If the slave cylinder has a leak and potentially you aren't getting full release, it can make it harder to get into gear as well. As short as first gear is in the ZF, it's going to be difficult to downshift into first no matter what. It may have more to do with axle gear ratio, but I only use first when starting from a dead stop with a load.

Maybe start by fixing the hydraulic system and see if that changes anything in regards to downshifting into first gear.

Mar 9, 2019 | 08:57 AM

Exwhyze

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 454

Likes: 97

From: SE WI

My dad swore up and down when I was learnin to drive 15 years ago that downshifting into first was a surefire way to grenade your transmission, then we went cruising around and he showed me that basically you gotta give er some rpms for 1st gear to slide in. My thinking is that by forcing something you took a bite out of that 1st gear synchro.

For what it's worth, i forced an old subaru into second gear and sheared a tooth right off the gear, which then rendered the vehicle entirely undrive-able. Literally locked up the whole geartrain. I'm happy your rig still moves! Good luck!