First gear pops out

[Pocket_Rocket]

Anybody knows what causes this? When I'm in 1st and push the clutch pedal, the first gear pops out. Almost does it with 3rd and 5th too; they stay in gear, but just a light push on the shifter makes it pop out, again with the clutch in. When driving, all the gears stay engaged no problem, but pushing on the clutch makes the top ones (1,3 and 5) want to disengage. It just started yesterday. Car is a '92 GL with stock tranny, Spec stage 2 clutch and BP swap. Thanks for the help!!!

[hawkdoc60]

It sounds like excessive play in the input shaft of the tranny. The input shaft bearings are probably worn out. This is exactly the same problem I had with Silver Bullet's tranny. If you drop your tranny, I will bet that the shaft will move in and out at least a quarter inch or more.

[mechanicaldj]

bad transaxle mounts are also possible or a misaligned engine/trans to body

[Pocket_Rocket]

Well, when 1st gear is engaged and I try to push it further, it goes a good 2-3 inches towards the dash and feels mushy while doing so, instead of feeling hard like doing the same in 2nd of 4th... Does that give anybody more clues?

[fastivaca]

Could it be shift linkage bushings? Or a loose shift linkage bolt?

[SIBladerunner]

Most likely its the syncros. They could be worn out, how many miles are on the trans? If you beat it up a lot the syncros wear down fast. The stock trans isn't exactly made for a big rig. My old Ford had bad syncros in 6th gear and it wouldn't stay in gear unless you held it. I would drop the trans and check for the inputshaft play, then move on to pulling the trans apart and rebuilding it.

[Pocket_Rocket]

I'm not the type to beat on trannys; I had one replaced once and don't want to replace another again. I've got 207 000kms on my tranny (about 128 000 miles) and started to go bad all of a sudden. I got to work on a really cold day no problem and parked the car. When I finished work, I started the car, and when I was about to leave, 1st gear started to pop out...

[mechanicaldj]

also possible:

is the shift gate is working loose or is very close to breaking inside the trans

[FB71]

Most likely its the syncros.

The fact that 1st, 3rd and 5th all have the same problem tell me it's not synchros.

Agreed with Mechdj, shiftgate is a possible culprit. Also agree with other posts about bushings. Check the rubber bushings that locate the strut (long rod that doesn't move) between the trans and shifter. I've seen those go soft from oil contamination and cause similar shifting issues.

[ketchup]

if the solid mounted shift rod doesnt have the large washer it can pop off the bushings all together. i have seen that. similar to^^^^ what FB71 is talking about the rubber gets slippery and mushy and it pops right off..

[SIBladerunner]

Well it could be a little far to say that its the syncros, but I've seen some messed up trannys before even when they aren't beat up. Heat, cold, etc. destroy them, also the wrong fluids

[nxp]

I've had the same problem on my 121 - turned out to be that the shifter had popped out of its bushing while I passed over it (parked in a tight spot and had to use the passenger door).

Pulled the shifter upwards and it popped in place again.

I hope that helps

[Pocket_Rocket]

Well, I found the problem!!! Turns out the rear tranny mount is completly destroyed, and the front mount is on its way, so I'll be changing both. Thanks for all he help guys!!!

[ejp2fast]

culprit found! thanks for the follow up, mounts aren't too bad to replace..