1971 3 speed issue
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Ruther Glen VA
1971 3 speed issue
I have a 71 F100 with the original 3 on the tree. It is jumping out of 2nd gear. I either need a new trans or help rebuilding/replacing the synchronizer. Anyone out there have any ideas or willing to help? I'm in VA and have a garage and a good number of tools. I can pull and replace the current trans but have no experience with rebuilding. Thanks in advance. I really don't want to swap to a floor shift so that might make life harder.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Barre Mass
Best thing to do is see if you can fine a used one from the bone yard, or ebay. If you want to inspect pull the tranny remove the top cover and see if there is any metal bits down in the bottom. I had a similar problem with a 4 speed top loader. I ended up putting the 3 speed I had back in.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 1,181
From: San Jose, CA
Only problem I see nowadays would be that the trans you pull might have more miles and be in worse shape than the one you have. Or you could get lucky and get one that had already been rebuilt. Hard to say I guess, unless you can see that it's super clean, or has bee painted perhaps while removed.
Is it actually "popping" out of second? Or is it more of a gentle falling of the lever into neutral, especially brought on when you let off the gas?
When mine did that I rebuilt it myself with mostly a simple wear-item parts replacement procedure, plus one extra step.
That was just new bearings and seals and new blocking rings (part of the synchronizer function) then, but in addition I stretched out the springs that were part of the little flapper thingies on the synchronizer rings (in the hop of making them stiffer) and stretching out the coil springs pushing the detent ***** on the shift rods.
Whatever was the original cause, it worked! That little workahaulic 3-speed ran quiet and smooth, shifted like butter (it already did that though) and never gave me any trouble after that. Still working great when I sold it with about 60k miles on the rebuild.
The coolest thing though, was it took me just a weekend and the princely total of $43 dollars in parts! Oh, plus two new tools, but that's more of a bonus to me than a downside.
Good luck.
Paul
Is it actually "popping" out of second? Or is it more of a gentle falling of the lever into neutral, especially brought on when you let off the gas?
When mine did that I rebuilt it myself with mostly a simple wear-item parts replacement procedure, plus one extra step.
That was just new bearings and seals and new blocking rings (part of the synchronizer function) then, but in addition I stretched out the springs that were part of the little flapper thingies on the synchronizer rings (in the hop of making them stiffer) and stretching out the coil springs pushing the detent ***** on the shift rods.
Whatever was the original cause, it worked! That little workahaulic 3-speed ran quiet and smooth, shifted like butter (it already did that though) and never gave me any trouble after that. Still working great when I sold it with about 60k miles on the rebuild.
The coolest thing though, was it took me just a weekend and the princely total of $43 dollars in parts! Oh, plus two new tools, but that's more of a bonus to me than a downside.
Good luck.
Paul
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The parts are available from a gazillion auto parts stores, because they are the same 1963/87 for the Ford type 3.03 3 speed manual all synchro used in cars/trucks.
Suggest also replacing the syncro shoes (7A044), snap rings (7109), all the other washers/snap rings (available in a kit), front (7A283) & rear (7052) seals.
Input (7025) & output (7025) shaft bearings (front different than rear) and the needle bearings on the input shaft (15 total 7118) and counter shaft (50 total 7121)...and the gaskets (sold as a set).
Do not consider buying a used trans, it may not be any better than what you have now, and it could be worse. Since the parts are readily available, fix what you have.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Ruther Glen VA
Found 1
Best thing to do is see if you can fine a used one from the bone yard, or ebay. If you want to inspect pull the tranny remove the top cover and see if there is any metal bits down in the bottom. I had a similar problem with a 4 speed top loader. I ended up putting the 3 speed I had back in.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 29
From: Southern CA
Smart move, learn how and you know it is right!!!!!!!!!!!
Most trans shops now a days don't even know how to rebuild 50/60/70's stuff. All they do is pull & replace.
Most trans shops now a days don't even know how to rebuild 50/60/70's stuff. All they do is pull & replace.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Gainesville, GA
In years gone by I have rebuilt many standard transmissions and, if you pay attention, it's not hard or complicated.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Ruther Glen VA
Anyone have any tips before I swap the transmissions tomorrow? Anything to make it quicker or easier? I'm all ears. Also suggestions for fluid to use in the replacement trans? Thanks everyone!
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From: Barre Mass
The 3 speed is fairly straight forward. Disconnect the shifter linkage. Remove drive shaft. Unbolt trans from bell housing. Remove trans mount and cross member. (Get a strapping lad to bench press it out.) Just kidding on the last one. Shouldn't be too heavy. Install reverse order. I believe 85-90 weight gear oil is in order. Maybe a good idea to put in a new tail shaft seal in before you put the driveshaft back in. Good luck. I figure you have about a 4-5 hour job.