Just lost all gears!
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Just lost all gears!
My mother was driving her 95 F-150 with a 300/5spd, when it started jerking around and died. She started it back up, but the tranny doesn't work now. It will go into every gear position except 3rd whether you push the clutch in or not, but it won't move in any gear. I just got back from towing it home. I think it has around 150k on it. What goes out in these tranny's to cause this? What are we looking at, rebuild or replacement? 
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: alaska
If she had the shifter in her hand when it was bucking arround, Its possible that the end of the shifter (down in the trans) has jumped through the shifter 'cogs' from to much pressure on the shifter , or the small plastic ball has broken off, allowing the shifter to slip in between the cogs./ the fix is to pull the shifter and line the cogs up with a screw driver, make sure the 'ball is in place on the shifter and reinstall it , my 2c's, bob
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
She was just cruising down the interstate when it happened. She said the truck jerked twice, then died. She pulled over and when she tried to start it, she said it sounded like the battery was dieing because it was a slow turnover. But it did start, but wouldn't move. At least she was able to run the heater to stay warm until we got there. Is that something I can check just by pulling the top cover off the tranny?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: alaska
pull the shifter first and check that , its possible you have a bent or broke fork , but do the simple things first , its also possible that the clutch is not releasing , check and make sure before you remove the top cover or the shifter , bob
Last edited by bob arrington; Dec 12, 2005 at 01:55 PM. Reason: more info
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bob arrington
pull the shifter first and check that , its possible you have a bent or broke fork , but do the simple things first , its also possible that the clutch is not releasing , check and make sure before you remove the top cover or the shifter , bob
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I just went outside to get the keys from it, and I decided to start it up. It makes this horrible grinding/shrieking sound occasionally, that goes away when I push in the clutch pedal. The struck will also stall out now if I release the clutch in gear(still chained on my trailer). I am now thinking maybe the clutch has completely fragged itself, and the noise is the friction material free clutch disc rubbing the flywheel.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Pulaski, NY
It sounds to me like you lost the shift rail plugs - it happened to me: I was on the freeway, cruise on at about 70 mph, then BOOM! Engine revved high, trans popped out of gear, etc. Tried putting it back in fifth, popped right out, so I drove it home in fourth. First and second gears would now grind like mad when engaging, third was worse than before (already needed a synchro).
What happens is, the trans case is aluminum and there are three plugs in front of the shifter mount that are made of thin sheet metal (not aluminum) that eventually work their way out. Now you have a hole about the size of a quarter, and fluid leaks out - but only when driving, never when stopped idling, never when parked.
I went around to get price quotes for the trans to be rebuilt, and found out that it cost less to swap in a rebuilt ZF (by over $400), so I went that route. If you need pics of the infamous plugs, let me know, I'll put something up in my gallery, as well as various others from the swap.
What happens is, the trans case is aluminum and there are three plugs in front of the shifter mount that are made of thin sheet metal (not aluminum) that eventually work their way out. Now you have a hole about the size of a quarter, and fluid leaks out - but only when driving, never when stopped idling, never when parked.
I went around to get price quotes for the trans to be rebuilt, and found out that it cost less to swap in a rebuilt ZF (by over $400), so I went that route. If you need pics of the infamous plugs, let me know, I'll put something up in my gallery, as well as various others from the swap.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Well, whatever it is, we have decided I don't feel like fixing it in 20* weather. I am gonna haul it down to a shop and see if I can't get some kind of estimate. If it costs too much, my mother is gonna let me have it so I can swap the front end on to my 85 F-250. Probably use the doors and tailgate too. If it were a longbox, I could rebody my truck. 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
The grinding noise is gone, now it makes some chattery clicking noise. Took it too the shop, they think the clutch is gone, and the shaft may have snapped in the tranny. $1852 to fix it. My parents are deliberating. My father has abused the snot out of this truck, I really think they should put it down. We shall see.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
One of two problems: Either the clutch disk let go (either the friction material came off the disk or the hub cam apart), or the input shaft stripped. No way of knowing which until you pull the transmission. Once its out you can inspect the clutch. If it is still intact, its the input shaft.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
From what I have read around here, the input shaft and the shift forks seem to be the weak links in these trannies. I'll just keep waiting for a ZF 5spd to fall in my lap someday.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
The shift forks are aluminum instead of steel. Most of the problem with them come from the driver holding onto or resting his hand on the shifter while driving. Keep your hand off the shifter when not shifting and the forks will last much longer.
Most input shaft failures result from the shift rail plugs leaking. These plugs leak, the fluid level gets too low which burns up the input shaft and its bearing. Checking the fluid level every time you change your motor oil and looking for leaks coming from the rear of the case above the tailshaft housing will prevent this.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Most input shaft failures result from the shift rail plugs leaking. These plugs leak, the fluid level gets too low which burns up the input shaft and its bearing. Checking the fluid level every time you change your motor oil and looking for leaks coming from the rear of the case above the tailshaft housing will prevent this.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
My mother would prefer a truck with an auto tranny, she can't stand the way my father drives a stick. As far as oil changes and maintenance go, my father gets the oil changed everytime my mom ask's "when was the oil changed last?" that could be a span of 3-12 months. They are real don't fix it until it's broke people. They still haven't decided the fate of the truck, I may have to drop some hints about the benefits of a new truck.