Unable to engage first and second gears

ROYBRITTAIN

MEMBER
1991 FORD F-150
5.0L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

I have a M5OD manual transmission. Unable to engage first and second gears. All others work fine. No unusual noise when incidence occurred. No grinding or chattering.

Incident occurred with 1/2 ton load. Shifted into third gear on a gentle incline. Coasted to a stop at a STOP sign, no first gear, I engaged the brakes, still no first or second gears.

Engaged 4WD Low Range, engaged third gear and drove in low range until was able to engage 2WD at speed to continue home.

Pulled shift lever assembly from transmission. Replaced nylon bushings and replaced. No significant wear in evidence.

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Pull shift lever out of transmission and look down it should look like a square or rectangular hole the shift lever will move one side forward/back to shift to 1/2 and 3/4 then 5/rev. See that they all move forward and back if one side moves and you do not have first or second then it may be a synchronizer or shift fork bad. If it will not move at all then you need to take cover off, but the transmission will need to be removed for that. If the transmission is removed arrow points to synchro that is the problem. If that works then it is in the top cover or a bearing problem.

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