Trans Rebuild Q's about Shift Fork

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Here it goes. I am in the process of rebuilding my first transmission. I've read through the VFAQ plenty of times and have the FSM. What I'm asking for is a little advice. Below is a picture of the 1-2 shift fork. My question is: Does that fork look worn out to the point that it won't engage 1st gear all the way? That is the only problem I have with this transmission. It will pop out of 1st if I don't hold it into the gear. Now, it looks as if someone has been in the tranny before me, as there are some parts missing. The C-Clips on the end of the Shafts the ball holding the output shaft into the center diff. Also, the bolt that holds the reverse idler to the case was gone too. Would any of those things also play a role in it not staying in 1st? It looks as if the synchronizer rings were replaced as they are still sharp and I don't see any other damage other than the shift forks.

I know I need a new fork. Because I broke it trying to get the roll pin out. Just trying to see if that is the root of my problems. Or do I need to dig deeper? Other scenario is that the Syncro ring or Hub/Slider is bad and the guy that had this tranny wore out the shift fork from holding it into gear.

Thanks for any and all help.

~Andrew~

[JackM]

The fork should never wear out holding it into gear. That's why transmissions use oil. There are oils though like BG and Synchromesh that will wear forks because of the excessive friction they create in the unit.

Your pic of the fork doesn't appear to be working for me.

Can you get close-up shots of the slider teeth and hub thrust surfaces? Check to make sure they don't look like the ones in the pics here:

DSM Transmissions

Another possibility is the shift rail detent ball and spring. Sometimes the ball will get stuck in the case and not hold the 1/2 assembly in gear.

Jack

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Jack, Thank you for your response. I have yet to tear down the shafts as I do not own a press or know anyone with one. So I do not know if the hub is worn yet or not. Try taking a look at these pictures. I don't know why the other ones wouldn't work for you.






Thanks,
Andrew

[JackM]

Yep, that fork is definitely wiped out. I would take a very close look at the hub thrust surfaces once you get the gear clusters apart. I'd be willing to bet they are also worn if the fork looks that bad...

Jack

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Now is that enough for it not to stay in 1st gear? Well, let me rephrase that, go into 1st at all? What causes that sort of wear? Just the wrong fluid?

Thanks

[dsmcrazyspiff]

No like he said you have to check out the thrust surface on the hub. I bet it wore into the gear. Grab the gear and try slide it up and down if it moves id say your hub is bad.

[byebyev8]

I'm having the same problem and me to also think its the shift fork.

I have to force it in 1st gear and hold it and it will work fine other wise it won't work I'm going to be doin the 6 bolt swap and replacing the fork or w/e this problem is