[Dfeeds]

Just last week I started to notice that my gears clash, mostly when going into second. I got my transmission fluid swapped but it still happens. It'll very rarely do it in third, sometimes in first but always going into second. I can avoid it usually by revving the engine just before I shift into gear but it's still annoying. So how long will this bad synchro last me? My mechanic (he's a trusted friend btw, not just some firestone junky) said replacing them isn't expensive but with the age of the transmission he said he fears that once we pull it apart I may end up spending a lot more in repairs than just the synchronizers.

Also, what is the cheapest way to go about fixing this (actually, more bang for the buck)? I was thinking about running to a junk yard to see if I can yank a tranny from a sixxer lying around. However, would I be better off going with an entire new transmission here (and upgrading to 3.73 gearing )?

[ag11hockey]

check your clutch cable first. if its worn out or streched alot it might not be disengaging all the way. if thats fine then i would suspect synchros (which i do but figure start cheap). The replacing factor is the same as a rebuild which can run around $1k. luckily being RWD and a manual tranny the labor is much cheaper than a FWD auto.

[goren813]

I've seen rebuilds for as low as 600...but varies by place. You can get a racing rebuild kit for the T5 to strengthen it up if you plan on power mods, other than that a pulled one from a junkyard is an idea.

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

Originally Posted by goren813 I've seen rebuilds for as low as 600...but varies by place. You can get a racing rebuild kit for the T5 to strengthen it up if you plan on power mods, other than that a pulled one from a junkyard is an idea.

i've been running on a bad 3rd gear syncro now for 2 months and i won't have the cash to fix it till next year...im hopeing it holds...if not ill look for a 6 speed

[Gerbig]

I've been running bad synchros since last winter. Don't worry about it

[Dfeeds]

Originally Posted by Gerbig I've been running bad synchros since last winter. Don't worry about it

Ha good to know. I've been calling around at junkyards and no one seems to have any I also figured I'd pick up a driveshaft too while I'm there (current one has that ring sound dampener thing busted off and it clanks around) but same story... ah well.

[9986paulk]

I usually don't like the junkyard fix idea, because there's a good chance you'll end up spending as much as a good rebuild in the qst place. There really shouldn't be anything wrong with the transmission if it's working fine other than the synchros, idk why your mechanic would think there would be more wrong with it. I've been running with somewhat worn out synchros in my truck for...uhh...like 2 years and it really isn't a problem. Hardly ever does it once it's up to operating temp.

[Dfeeds]

Yeah true, it's not as bad at higher temps. For all I know they've been like this but since it's the first winter with the car I may be experiencing it a lot more than usual.

My mechanics reasoning is that things that while everything is working when it's all attached, we may notice a lot more problems that are going to occur once we yank it apart. Eh, made sense to me at least when we talked about it.

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

i don't trust mechanics...they love to get some extra money whenever they can...

[Dfeeds]

Originally Posted by 6er_w/a_Vengance i don't trust mechanics...they love to get some extra money whenever they can...

Usually I would agree with you 100% but I know that's not his case. I've trusted this guy for years not only as a mechanic but as a friend. He usually advises against any action I decide to take that would put some serious cash in his pocket and out of mine. I guess I just got lucky.