I've got a 93 F150 with mazda 5 speed. I will often hear a grinding noise on the 2-3 shift. No grinding in any other gears, and when I down shift from a higher gear into 3rd it does not grind.

It does not happen 100% of the time, most often I can ease it into 3rd without grinding. Its hard to explain but when it grinds the shifter has a loose feel to it and moves with very little resistance. When it shifts well, it goes into gear with a little resistance and has a firm path to follow.

My first thoughts were the 3rd gear synchro, or worn shift forks. Can anyone offer input based on my limited description of the problem?

 

These transmissions are weak. I was very surprised loosing mine at 130k. That was the first sign I noticed before I lost 5th and reverse. But my truck has 35" tires and gets beat around quite a bit causing everything to prematurely wear. From my experience though, and anybody correct me if I'm wrong, that would be syncro wear. I felt exactly the same thing with mine.

 

I would say neigh on the shift fork. If that were the deal you'd not be going in gear at all, or the grind would be consistent. Chances are it's a bad syncro. I have this issue going into most of my gears and most particularly third. What I do is haul it out of second without the clutch then clutch in and put it into third. No grinding.

 

It's not that hard to pop off the top shifter plate and have a look at the forks. I had a grinding issue but still quite workable and found my forks extremely worn. New ones made it like new. If the forks look good, then it's probably the syncro's. It's also a good time to do a flush and check the rubber plugs on the shifter cover.

 

I tried this today, it actually shifts quite well. Thanks!!

 

It sounds like a syncro except that its ok sometimes, and not other times, but it could be a worn shift fork. Even my 3rd feels really lose, its the only gear that doesnt like to be shifted without the clutch. And i put all new forks in the spring.

 

I may try this over the weekend.