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I have a T-19 trans on my 1986 F250 diesel 6.9. I have too much side to side play and want to fix it. Today, I pulled out the shifter and lost the dowel pin. I wanted to pull the shifter assembly to figure out how to properly set the dowel pin. From what I understand, the procedure is to put the transmission in neutral, then pull the six bolts and pull up. It doesn't appear there is going to be clearance to get the shifter assembly out through the cab. Is that right? Do I need to drop the transmission in order to work on this?
Thanks for the diagram. In just eyeballing the transmission and shift housing, I'm just doubting if there is any room to pull the shift housing without the whole transmission.
It’s been a while, but I think there is room to pull the shift tower with the transmission installed. You have the right procedure. Shift to neutral, undo the six bolts, and lift straight up.
If no room to pull the cover, try draining the oil into a clean container. With any luck, the flow of oil will sweep the pin into the pan. If no luck at first, try pouring the oil pan into the transmission and repeat. It might take a few tries.
I don't think the dowel pin is in the transmission. I dropped it while pulling it out. I just have no idea where it is. I'm planning to get a 1/4" dowel pin at Home Depot tomorrow and check how much play it has in the hole. If it fits pretty tight, I may just buy a new shifter rod at Novak. If that doesn't work, I'll do your fix.
In examining that how-to guide, it looks like I can probably just do the whole job without pulling the shift housing. I can drill into to enlarge the hole in place and just use a rag to catch the flakes an pull them out with a magnet. That would definitely be easier than pulling a 4x4 transmission.
If the pin isn't lying under the truck or sitting on top of the trans, it's pretty likely to be inside it.
You can remove the two PTO covers from the sides of the transmission, then look/reach in to recover the pin if you can't get it from above.
I have done that same repair before on my shifter & housing (also a T19), but I had the whole trans out of the truck. I went up to a 5/16" dia pin, & widened the shifter slot to match.
You can remove the two PTO covers from the sides of the transmission, then look/reach in to recover the pin if you can't get it from above.
Uff da! Forgot all about the PTO covers for access. Excellent suggestion.
I wouldn't take any chances not knowing where that pin. If you were working on a gravel surface or similar, and are absolutely positive the pin fell outside, then I guess you'd be okay to just replace it. But if there's any chance it's inside, I'd certainly pull the PTO covers and spin the innards a few turns to be triple sure. A hardened pin like that getting caught between the gears? Wouldn't be pretty.
If working on grass or gravel use a HD magnet and go fishing.
The other day I dropped a fender nut when installing the rear fenders on my flare side.
It was in the grass and the HD magnet that was part of a towel hanger you would stick on the frige.
Waved it over the area and it picked it right up.
Dave ----
Sorry for the late reply. The dowel pin is not in the transmission. I was pushing it out with a flathead screwdriver on one side and pulling it with pliers when it came out of the pliers. I saw where it went, but can't find it under the truck.
I bought a 1/4" stainless dowel pin from Home Depot and was able to cut it to size.
I checked the dowel pin play in the top of the transmission and there was barely anything, so I took the shifter rod to a welding ship and they welded up and cut the rod with an angle cutter.
I put the thing together today and it works a lot better. 3rd gear is easier to find and I can speed shift into 4th with no problem. I think it could be a little tighter and may take it back to the welder to tighten it up a little bit more.
I still have an issue with downshifting from 4th to 3rd. It grinds and is not happy. I tried downshifting once extremely slowly and it worked a lot better, but still a bit of grinding.
Is that normal with the downshift from 4th to 3rd? Does this have to do with the synchronizers?