Just installed a top loader from a 68 Mustang. It came with a hurst shifter. If I try to shift quickiy between 1st and second it's very stiff and grinds. I'm thinking maybe the syncro is bad. I havn't tried to adjust the linkage at all because it shifts just fine at a normal shifting speed. Also, downshifting to 2nd is just about impossible unless your standing still. Any help is apprieciated.
Sounds like a second gear syncro to me. Make sure the the transmission is full of the proper gear oil and I would definitely do an alignment on the shifter linkage first. If your not familiar with the proper way to align the linkage, put the trans in neutral, disconnect the shift rods from either the shifter arms or transmission arms, depending on which end has the adjustment, there is a hole or notch in the bottom of the shifter housing and a hole in each shifter arm. Line them all up and put a snug fitting allen wrench in them to lock them in place. Make sure you go all the way through the back side of the shifter housing. Then just adjust the linkage so it drops right into the arms. Also make sure the bushings are in good shape, if not replace them. As a side note for those with 3 on the tree, that is also the way to align that linkage too. The alignment holes are up on the column just as it comes out the firewall.
Check adjustment on the clutch too. If the pedal is not fully engaging or disengaging, it can cause some gear binding if it is close. If it is not close, it will cause problems with all the gears. Sounds like a syncro, but check the clutch too as it is much cheaper. Hope for the best... Dave
Adjusted the clutch and linkage and still grinding. Looks like I'll have to pull and take it to a tranny shop. Anyone know what I should expect to pay for a cincro replacement?
They are really not that bad to do yourself. There are complete rebuild kits on ebay or from Dan Williams http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...ryZ46103QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://www.toploadertransmissions.com/
I had a problem like that on mine... after doing everything above mentioned to correct I finally discovered that the collar of the trans was bigger than the hole in the bellhousing and I was not getting the proper alignment. I had the hole in the bellhousing milled out and works like a charm. I actually fought it for many many years and one day I had the car up on jack stands doing something to it and noticed it all. Dan
David Kee's Toploader site (www.4speedtoploaders.com) also sells rebuild kits. His kits also come with complete instructions to take apart and reassemble it. Not hard to do, just takes patience. No special tools needed. He also can build completely new Toploaders from the ground up.
The instructions David Kee sent with my kits was taken from the 64-70 "Motor Repair Manual" This manual is a gold mine of info. You can find these used thru Barnes & Noble's used and rare books section on their website.
