1987 Dodge Ram grinding gears

NIMBIUS11

MEMBER
1987 DODGE RAM
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
205,000 MILES

I have the 87 ram 50 and when I shift between 3rd and 4th gears, it grinds. I have replaced the gear oil and rechecked the level. I think its a bad synchro. Do you agree? If so, how to I get the tech data on replacing the synchro and the part? Thanks

6 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,750 POSTS

This is fixed by taking it to a transmission specialist. Absolutely no good will come from trying to take one of these apart yourself. When I worked at the dealership, there were only three guys who would dare handle one of these transmissions, and they didn't enjoy it. Lots of special tools needed too. Spacing and torque specs are critical to prevent gear noise.

Caradiodoc

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Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 1:53 AM

NIMBIUS11

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13 POSTS

So I adjusted the clutch cable a bit and the grinding seemed to almost stop. It only does it in 4th gear now rarely. Does this mean it was the problem, or was it a temp fix? Should I loosen the adjusting screw some more to see if it stops completely?

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Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 12:26 PM

CARADIODOC

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33,750 POSTS

If the cable is out of adjustment, the clutch won't fully release and gear grinding will result.

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Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 7:28 PM

NIMBIUS11

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So the grinding came back. Should I try and adjust the cable some more or just replace the cable? Or am I wasting more time and money because its actually the synchro?

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Friday, April 17th, 2009 AT 11:12 PM

CARADIODOC