T-150 transmission not going into gear

DAN BURDETTE

MEMBER
1977 JEEP CJ7
5.0L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
1,800,000 MILES

I’ve got a rebuilt T-150 in my vehicle listed above that I cannot get into 2nd or third. Engine stopped, clutch in, it’ll go into 1st and reverse. Since the engine is currently being rebuilt, I haven’t had the chance to see if those gears will move the vehicle on its own. That being said, I would think with the clutch being depressed, towing through the gears shouldn’t be an issue. Transmission and tcase are both full of fluid. It does have a new clutch kit in it as well. Any advice on what I can do to fix the issue would be awesome. The guy that build the transmission said it was tested before given back so whatever it is, I’ve probably messed it up. Thanks!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Just to be clear, you have it all installed but you are just pushing the clutch in with the engine off but cannot get it into 2nd or 3rd?

If this is the case, then try putting steady pressure on the shifter and then move it back and forth. Basically try and shake it a little to see if it will slip in. What is happening is the syncro is not lining up due to the blocking ring in the gear set not lining up the sleeve and gear. Normally when the engine is running you will get these to "loosen up" so I would not make any changes or worry until the engine is up and running.

Here is a guide that will help with clutch issues if this does prove to be an issue when the engine is running:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

Let us know once this happens and we will go from there. Thanks