trans pops out of second

Harris · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2002, 05:51 PM

I recently bought my Cobra and have spent the past month or so sorting things out. To make a long story short I was unable to get any prior history on the car as it was sold at a "consignment" type lot and the owner of the car had moved out of state. I was told it was a 289 but it turned out to be a strong 302. I have added Eldebrock RPM Performer RPM aluminum heads and a MSD ignition with flow master mufflers (no side pipes).

My biggest concern at this time is keeping the trans in second gear. It works OK under acceleration but pops out of gear under deceleration and will not go back into second unless you come to a stop and start again.

I absolutely love the car but I know nothing about transmissions.
I am assuming the trans is a OEM from the late 60s or early seventies.
Would it be better to buy a new or rebuilt tranny or R and R the old one, generally speaking?
Thanks in advance from a newbie.

A Snake · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2002, 09:16 PM

You need to have it rebuilt is all. Normally what you describe is a synchromesh problem. It isn't going to get better and I'd suggest that having it jump out of gear at an inopportune time could be dangerous.

Another thought is that it is not impossible for your shift linkage to be out of adjustment and not fully engaging 2nd gear. That's simple and inexpensive to check and I'd suggest looking into that before pulling the trans.

On the trans, it shouldn't cost more than $400+parts for a good rebuild, not including removal and reinstallation which you can do yourself.

MrFixit needs to jump in on this one.

Al

Jeff Frigo · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2002, 09:20 PM

Is it a 4-speed or 5-speed?

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2002, 10:11 PM

Does the transmission have a plate on the top or on the side. Is the case iron (magnetic) or aluminum. We need more info to help you.

Rick

speed220mph · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2002, 05:28 AM

A simple check regardless of the transmission would be to make sure the shifter boot is not binding against the shifter wand when in second. This is an easy fix providing it's the problem. Another check is linkage adjustment. This would occur only with an externally mounted shifter, i.e., top loader. Otherwise, you're looking at an internal problem, meaning the trans. must come out. The problem then may be the shifter sleeve is not moving into full engagement with the gear because of fork wear, a detent shoe spring is broken or who knows. Regardless, you'll have to get inside the transmission.

Harris · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2002, 10:12 AM

It is a 4 speed. I don't think it is a linkage problem as the engagement seems solid. I just don't have the facilities to pull the trans myself, so I'll have it done by a reliable trans shop. I'm kinda in between two projects so it may be a month before I can look into the trans problem.
I appreciate all your responses and I'm glad I found this web site-its great.
Thanks again

Larry

Mr.Fixit · #7 (**permalink**) 12-18-2002, 11:08 AM

Pull off the rubber shift bootie and chrome trim ring. Does it still happen without these pieces? The bootie can act like a spring and push the shifter forward, out of gear. Seen that many times.

Cal Metal · #8 (**permalink**) 12-18-2002, 01:06 PM

Larry:

Typically a problem of popping out of gear is associated with bad clutch teeth on the gear and/or a synchronizer assembly that is getting sloppy. On most used transmissions, second and third are normally "throwaways" gears as they take the bulk of the punishment. Fourth is usually suspect, as well.

Since these units (gears and synchro assemblies) are relatively inexpensive, it makes sense to replace them when you tear the transmission down. Replacing the input/mainshaft bearings as well as the brass blocker rings is also inexpensive and should be done. You might want to have your mechanic contact David Kee www.4speedtoploaders.com for the parts, as Ford no longer carries them. Good luck.