In October of 2005 I purchased a 1973 F250 with the 360 engine and the Warner T18 4 speed transmission. The seller warned me that I would have trouble shifting into 3rd gear. When I would try to shift into 3rd, the gears would grind. My first thought was that 3rd gear was bad! But I later realized that there was nothing wrong with 3rd gear. The real problem is that there is too much play in the shift gate. When I was trying to shift into 3rd I was actually trying to go into reverse. Once I figured this out I learned to shift the truck ok by being very careful to find the right gate but every once in a while I go too far to the right and grind reverse. I sent some e-mails to a couple of companies that specialize in T18's about this problem and they casually blew me off by giving me their easy answer. They said I would have to pull the transmission, take it apart and inspect all the parts for wear. If I do this then I can't drive the truck and it could be down for weeks waiting for parts if I can find the parts. What if all I need to do is replace the shifter!? It does have some extra play. I have a gut feeling that this may be a common problem with this transmission and one of you guys out there has had this same problem and knows a way to fix it. Are there any adjustments that can be made to eliminate the extra play in the gates? If not, then what parts would you recommend to replace?
Thanks for your help.

 

My 73 F100 2wd 390 T18 had a loose shifter when I got it. Even when in gear, the shifter would move side to side about 6 inches or so. I found out there is a wear pin for the shifter. As this wears, it causes play in the shifter and needs replaced. Remove the shifter - a ring that needs pressed down and turned counter clockwise about 1/4 turn. Once the shifter is out, you will notice a small pivot pin in the case where the shifter sits. This will slide out (carefull it doesn't fall in the trans), if it has flat spots worn in it, it needs replaced. I used a 1/4 inch bolt, get a long one and use the unthreaded part. Cut it to match the length of the pin and reinstall. Use a standard grade bolt, a harder bolt will wear the shifter and that's much harder to replace than just the pin... I've had to do this twice in the past 10 years I've owned my '73.

Marty

 

these are instructions for removing the shifter in a New Process 435 tranny. the T-18 has a collar that screws onto the top of the transmision lid housing. beneath that collar is a rounded washer and a spring for tension. unscrew the collar and remove it. then use a magnet and pull the pin from the hole in the threads on the drivers side.. i got a new pin from my local tranny shop and it fit great again. if it's worn too bad though, the bolt idea sounds like a good one. i did this one time and then swapped the tranny out for a new process 435, they're tougher and as an added bonus- they don't have that stupid pin!! good luck.

 

This idea of changing the pin is exactly what I was talking about in my first post. I would rather try this first before pulling the trans and taking it apart. I will check the pin this weekend.
Thanks guys!

George

 

george,

There is also a spring loaded pin or ball bearing(can't remember since it has been about 4 years since I had the tranny apart) that keeps the shifter from slipping over to the reverse channel.
This will go bad also and could be the problem.
Both items are pretty easy to replace.
The shifter pin is the same size as a SM 420 roller bearing if I remember correctly.
Good luck.
Ken

 

Woods

Can you give me some instructions on how to get to and change the spring loaded pin?
Thanks for your help.

George

 

It has been a while since I was in the tranny and I can't remember how to get to the spring loaded pin.
It is in the transmission shifter cover so if you have the access cover off, you can remove the whole shifter cover and find the item.
It is best to do this on level ground so that none of the gears try to slide forward or back when the shift forks are removed.
Check the pin first to see if it is worn.
if it is good then pull the top off and replace the spring.
It may just be gummed up and not releasing.
Hope I was some help.
Ken

 

Ken
I got your message. Thanks.

George