2G First Gear Pops Out

pauleyman · Aug 15, 2026

GIB said:
I got the cables installed and tried to drive. It still popped out of first. I tried everything outside of the transmission. I have another transmission that I may install. I may just sell the car at this point. I think I'm done with it for sure. I will update my page when I post it.

I get it but how dedicated are you. If you love the car keep going. Worst trans experience I ever had was 8 trans drops on one weekend. Ive long since been able to buy something else but I just dont know any other car that offers this much and I can work on it and not sell a kidney. Get caught in the snow? No problem. Dust a corvette? No problem. Cheap insurance? No problem.

GIB · Aug 16, 2026

It's been down so much this year and taking all my time. It's been a rollercoaster of selling or not. I'm going to have to really think it over this week.

GIB · Aug 16, 2026

miliman13 said:
No that bend you see is a swivel end I modified to remove the bending from the cable so when you go left and right it doesn’t cause resistance.
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Also when I installed the K cables and before I managed to adjust them mine was popping out of 4th and then after adjusting 1st then no more issues after more adjustments.

I know this may not be the case with yours, figured I share. You’ll know for sure if you swap trannies.

You’ll miss her, if you do sell.

I hope it is something like an adjustment. I spend so much time without being able to drive it, it's getting a little crazy. I'll keep trying to realign them to see.

pauleyman · Aug 16, 2026

Did we ever establish it diesnt pop-up with cables disconnected?
Weve all been where you are. The mistake I'm trying not to make is regret I sold it especially when I have no need to sell it. No money or family obligations at my age. Muscle cars guys did this by the thousands. Our generation is facing the same thing. Im gonna do an awd launch against who knows what when I'm 75. I may lose but I'll be smiling

miliman13 · Aug 16, 2026

You want the cable that comes out of the gear selector 1-2 to have tension/ pre-load / whatever- you want it to push and you also want the same thing at the shifter.

You want the cable to be in tension from both sides. Other-wise it will pop you out of gear.

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Which is the same as compression from the end links.

I manually by hand moved the gear at the transmission into 1st,
I then adjust the fish eye hole to create a lill bit of force that pushes on the trans selector.
( this means it doesn’t slide on and off easily it fights you) this is how you “pre load it” you’ll have to loosen cable from brackets to do this.

Then naturally this will push on your shifter you will then disconnect at shifter and adjust end link, then move the shifter into the 1st position and then slide the end link of cable on the shifter pin.

I did this and it worked- for me.
It took time playing with it.

I hope it works for you since you did establish that it doesn’t POP out with cable disconnected.

GIB · Aug 17, 2026

miliman13 said:
You want the cable that comes out of the gear selector 1-2 to have tension/ pre-load / whatever- you want it to push and you also want the same thing at the shifter.

You want the cable to be in tension from both sides. Other-wise it will pop you out of gear.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Which is the same as compression from the end links.

I manually by hand moved the gear at the transmission into 1st,
I then adjust the fish eye hole to create a lill bit of force that pushes on the trans selector.
( this means it doesn’t slide on and off easily it fights you) this is how you “pre load it” you’ll have to loosen cable from brackets to do this.

Then naturally this will push on your shifter you will then disconnect at shifter and adjust end link, then move the shifter into the 1st position and then slide the end link of cable on the shifter pin.

I did this and it worked- for me.
It took time playing with it.

I hope it works for you since you did establish that it doesn’t POP out with cable disconnected.

This is helping. I just got back from a little drive and it didn't pop out of gear. It did grind a little in first on a couple of shifts. I will adjust a little more and see if it helps, and update again. (I did also try again manually shifting in 1st without the cables and it didn't pop out or grind). You guys may help me keep the car once and for all. It's been a huge pain this year.

GIB · Aug 19, 2026

I appreciate all of your help for this issue with my gears and getting very upset and wanting to sell. Although I've been able to get the car to shift much better, I'm going to get my transmission rebuilt now. I will post about the process. I'm going to get on this starting next week.

1990TSIAWDTALON · Aug 19, 2026

Good choice before something gets damaged any more. Parts are scarce. :thumb:

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2G First Gear Pops Out

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