'54 OD Transmission Shifting Issues

[BloodyKnuckles]

First of all I purchased the trans from George Ashe so I know it was rebuilt correctly.

The problem I'm having is when I shift from first to second it doesn't want to go in unless I hit the shifter hard, sometimes very hard because of anger. Then when I try to shift from second to third it has to be shifted fast and it will grind a bit. If I try to shift it slow it just won't go in gear, sometimes.

Now this problem is weird because it comes and goes. It will down shift as smooth as silk but not on up shift.

The problem has been ongoing for a while now and it seems to be getting worse. I am thinking that it may be the syncronizers but why would they go bad after about 20,000 miles?

Questions;

Could it be the syncronizers?

How difficult are they to replace?

Can I find new ones?

Could it be the linkage?

Any bit of guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

BloodyKnuckles

[Normspeed]

BK, here's what my manual says. (I always like checking the free, easy or cheap stuff first)

A. Shifter linkage. If the selector rod is adjusted too short, the up and down movement of the gearshift lever in the neutral position will be limited and hard shifting into second and high gears may result.

B. Shifter fork and stop rings...too long to type out.

C. Synchronizer assembly.

I'd sure check that linkage issue before diving into the second two choices.

There are guys on the forum that know these transmissions way better than me, maybe they will weigh in too. Let us know what you find.

[kevinanderson]

My non-overdrive 3 speed did the same thing. Try the linkage adj. it worked for me.

[blueskies]

If it is not the easy stuff, and is the synchronizers, you will have to pull the trans for the fix.

There are two types of syncros, pin an strut. My '55 Od trans has the pin type. They are not interchangeable...

I was told that the strut type could be access by pulling the input pinion shaft out of the case from the front, but I can't confirm this. I was able to remove the original strut type input pinion shaft from my '50 trans from the front of the case, but the Pin type must be removed from the inside of the case.

You can tell which type you have by pulling the side cover off and looking in there toward the front. You can see the synchros with a flashlight.

Because the pin the can't be pulled out from the front, it means splitting the transmission and pulling all the guts...

Hope it is as simple as a quick linkage adjustment!

Pete

[1949P17BC]

BK, its the shifting linkage. I had th eexact same problem. Belive me, its the linkage, it is probably the most delicate adjsutments these old cars take.

[BloodyKnuckles]

You guys are great!! You have eased my mind a bit. I will check the linkage this week and report back.

Again, Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate all the assistance.

BloodyKnuckles

[Dodgeb4ya]

If it was rebuilt correctly.... nothing left but the shift linkage and or a dragging clutch problem! Pin type transmission cases have "PT" stamped on the flat area next to the shifter housing between front and rear case halves.

Bob