My 97 4.6 M5OD lost 3rd and 4th gear today! I have 1st, 2nd,
5th and reverse. There was no noise or previous problems. Everything works fine except 3rd and 4th!! I know that it is shift fork or shift rail related. My questions are: 1. Can I make this repair without a complete disassembly? 2. Is this a common problem? 3. Is it within a compenent persons capabilities? 4. Where can I find manuals, instructions, info, pictures or what ever to famililiarize my self with the procedures on tear down and repairs?
Can anyone please help me out and let me know what I'm up against? Please provide any advice, tech info or words of wisdom to help me fix this problem.
Thanks

Bill C

 

mike go to the tech articles on this sight. there is article called m50d mazda design manual 5 speed transmission preventative mesure..this will tell you how to gain access to the shift rail assembly .you will probably find the thrust washers are worn and need replaced you can get the bottom ones from ford but the uppers you may have to go to the hardware store and find somthing suitable because ford wont sell the uppers as they are part of the shift rail assembly they want to sell you for $200 good luck .............