1987 Dodge Ram grinding gears

Tiny
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
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 AT 12:24 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 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
Tiny
NIMBIUS11
  • MEMBER
  • 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
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 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
Tiny
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
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
I would try tightening the cable a little first to be sure the clutch is completely disengaging.
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Saturday, April 18th, 2009 AT 12:10 AM
Tiny
NIMBIUS11
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  • 13 POSTS
So your saying I should tighten it back up and then some more?
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Saturday, April 18th, 2009 AT 12:14 PM

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