Lost Fifth and Reverse
 

Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time. When I bought my 93, I knew it had a bad synchro. I've put an additional 15k or so on the car since then. Rewind to about a week ago. I had the car at work and was driving home (just normal driving, nothing insane).

Shift from 4th to 5th.... GRIND....GRIND...GRIND...... I had to finish the last couple miles in 4th gear at about 60 mph. Not horrible, but I can imagine I was somewhere around 2 miles per gallon at this point. :D

So, I park the car, I'll handle it later. I packed my bags and traveled to Alabama for a week. Just got back a couple nights ago.

So I just went to take the car out, and, naturally, I've also lost reverse. I pushed the car from the curb, put her in first and went for a "proof" run. Again, I can put it in fifth gear, but as soon as I let the clutch out, it just pops out of gear. If I try putting it in fifth and holding it in gear, it just grinds until I let go, then pops into neutral again.

So, at this point, I'm considering rebuilding, or purchasing another transmission. I really don't have alot of extra money laying around due to some... other... things happening right now. Any suggestions on a cheap/easy/efficient way to solve this issue?

My rebuilt tranny is for sale $500 +shipping.

same thing happened to me. i swapped in a used one

We could try rebuilding the rear end of the tranny in the car. With two people it sounds like a do-able job, and I have the tools to do so.

Dave

Just replace the fifth gear syrncho. I did the job my self in a couple of hours (not counting removing the tranny) You get can get a new syncro from Ray for about 75.00 bucks. the only special tool you need is a bearing pullerwith some long arms. I made some myself form some metal strips. If you have any questions feel free to pm me i have plenty of pics from when i did mine. Check the FaQ for the write up

Jeremy

Uhh, I think his problems are a little more serious than a synchro.

I have a trans that's taking up room in my garage.. It could use a 2nd gear synchro and a new input shaft bearing but if you need it, I'll sell it for a beer.

Dave, if you wind up getting involved, let me know when it goes down.. I can lend a hand if I'm not too busy..

..dave

I have had the exact same problem with a trannsmission I bought. Stuck it in and wham no fifth or reverse. When i opened it up syncro was cracked in three places. Now with a new syncrho it works great.

My bad. Sounded like it had the potential to have been worse than just a synchro.

Dave, thanks for the offer. I'll keep that as an option, although I'm a little worried about driving to Harrisburg because I'm not exactly sure what other issues might arise on the trip. That would be the second time you've saved me ass in under 2 yrs with this car though.

I assumed that the Synchro finally had enough and lodged pieces somewhere that they shouldn't be lodged. I'm not too sure what other damage I could cause by driving it with the problem... anyone have any input?

Sometimes it's as simple as the synchro cracking apart and getting loose and jamming the moving parts. Other times a few of the parts in the 5/R housing get slaughtered in the process. So that's why I wouldn't tackle this job on a daily driver without at least a new synchro and a good spare tranny for parts. It would also be wise to replace all the ball bearings that get pulled in the process too.

If your difficulty is limited to simply shifting to 5 or R, and taking it around the block in 1-4 presents no problems, I don't think it's a big risk to take it on a trip. A piece of the synchro is preventing the clutch sleeve from moving. However, if you hear intermittent crunching and scraping sounds, you probably have synchro kibbles getting stuck in the gear teeth and that's Not Good.

Dave Newbern, if you still have that tranny in a few months I might trade in some beer for it. :) I drink good beers and single malt scotches, if that helps any.

Dave

I am in the process of putting mine back together. I lost 5th and reverse and it turned out my 5th syncro was broken and from driving that way and slightly grinding into fifth it caused damage to the 5th/R ring gear also, which is why I had no reverse. The syncro was like $25 and the ring gear was $80. Plus the two bearings which im waiting on so I can finish mine up.

Never could get the taste for scotch.. maybe I just need a proper introduction.

I always meant to go through this trans, fix the 2 problems and sell it but I just don't have the time/desire any more. Too many projects. It's been sitting for a year or so.. it can sit a little while longer. Just let me know.

it wouldnt hurt to try a $75 synchro versus a $500 transmission. my 5th gear is getting bad too and im just going to get a synchro to replace it.