Despite these being one of the simplest transmissions out there, I am having an issue that I need some guidance on. It keeps falling into second gear. I can pull the top off, re-set the forks and it will shift fine for a few miles, then randomly will go into second when I am stopped and shifting into first or reverse. The trans will be in second gear when the shifter is in neutral. If you push it into reverse or first, you can feel it binding up when you start easing out on the clutch. I was thinking it could be a detent spring in the shift tower on the fork shaft, but it seems fairly strong. Could there be play in the mainshaft causing the fork to move? Maybe find a stronger detent spring?? Thanks in advance for any advise.
It sounds like a problem in the cover. The spring could be broken or not strong enough. Also examine the rail. Is there a groove worn into the detent? Is there an interlock pin in there to prevent it from engaging in two separate gears? Also, is the fork properly retained to the rail?
Wondering if it has recently been apart. What year tranny and what synchro are you using? Is it a double detent top? need a little more information. Maybe thrust. Maybe your forks are bent.
Sounds like it is in the top. If you pull the top off and check it out, you should find the problem. The fork should not move back and forth on the shifting rail. If so , the locating pin isn't doing it's job. If the fork and the rail are moving back and forth, then the detent pin/spring should be the culprit.
It's a 32 transmission with all the early components. There appears to be one detent spring in the center for both shafts??? It seems fairly stiff though. I may replace it anyway. Got to start somewhere. Nonstop . . . can you give a little more insight on this interlock pin as well?
Maybe you need one of these: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_trans-book.htm. Mac Van Pelt is the guru of Ford 3-speeds.
The Jalopy Journal
