T-18 Grinds into reverse

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Jan 2, 2005 | 03:33 AM

doosky2k

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From: Kissimmee, FL

T-18 Grinds into reverse

For some reason while shifting into reverse I get a grinding noise unless I give my truck a little gas or shift while it's rolling.

Jan 2, 2005 | 09:58 AM

teds74ford

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Is it hard to go into a foreward gear from a complete stop, too? I am thinking it is the clutch adjustment.

Jan 3, 2005 | 10:24 AM

doosky2k

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From: Kissimmee, FL

I have an 89 with a self-adjusting clutch so should I replace the clutch?

Jan 3, 2005 | 01:32 PM

85e150

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I've always had R grind when going in from a dead stop. I usually shift from 3rd or 2nd into R.

By shifting into a forward synchro gear, I get the gearbox to stop turning inside, easing the shift to R.

The key question here about your clutch was: Can you easily shift into a forward gear at rest?

If not, you may have wear that prevents complete disengagement and a teardown is in your future.

Jan 3, 2005 | 03:18 PM

F-Liner

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From: Wichita, KS

I had a similar issue on an 84 I had (except it had the NP435). 1st and reverse were real hard to get into and then started jamming. Ended up replacing the shift fork for 1st/reverse. It seems that my Dad's habit at the time of driving in traffic, resting his hand on the shifter while in second, wore the bushings off the shift fork. Once thise were gone, it was just a matter of time until the iron wore through. Didn't bother to change the oil during the repair either.

Still getting used to the T18 in my 89. It feels like it's geared higher then the NP.

Jan 3, 2005 | 04:30 PM

doosky2k

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From: Kissimmee, FL

I'll have to try that shifting into 3rd or 2nd before goin in reverse, all my forward gears shift fine.
F-Liner - I have a habit of resting my hand on the shifter mainly in fourth so maybe I'm doin the same thing your dad did.
I like the tranny for driving around town but the lack of od is a pain on the highway. Although I don't spend much time on the highway so it works for me, and the granny gear is great for off-roading!!! Eventually I wanna swap out the t18 for an NV4500, those tranny's are freakin sweet

Jan 4, 2005 | 07:32 AM

F-Liner

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From: Wichita, KS

Doosky- I've long considered the NV4500 for my wife's Suburban (it sounds way cool, although she may vote it down), but yesterday, a friend mentioned the NV5600 (6 spd). I did a little searching, and found that there are a few write ups for swapping one of those into another outfit.

I agree, the wide ratio trannies aren't great for hiway, per what we've grown accustomed too. But I have found that I like the ability to use granny, and i don't need to go fast in the truck anyway. -Paul.