The old popping out of 2nd problem.

[Daveyboy]

Have always heard of this issue but never experienced it.

And certainly didn’t expect it on this M38 build as I specifically had my mechanic buddy check the Tranny condition while it it was out.
In fact he replaced a worn intermediate shaft and bearings in the transfer.
Anyway. Transmission internals looked fantastic.
Nothing looked or felt worn.

Now that it’s running about during my “debugging” phase I noticed it jumps out of gear on a downhill coast in 2nd gear.

I do not relish the thought of removal again so I’m looking for answers before removing from jeep

Searching for answers on this site and others brought up this:

“Generally 3 things cause the synchro to pop out. Worn or damaged synchro, Worn shaft bearings and/or pilot bearings and of course not being fully positioned correctly by worn or improperly installed shifter fork.”


The last comment is what I wish to explore further before I tear this transmission out.

In the case of this transmission, I wish to note that action of the shifter Tower / assembly.

From neutral to say 1st or reverse, there seems to be a long “throw” and a very positive engagement

2nd however seems like a very short “throw” into place from
Neutral.

Is this an indicator of a shift tower problem that can be adjusted somehow?

Are the shifter towers on the M38 even “adjustable” somehow? Or is there wear in the shifter forks perhaps I can look for?

[4x4M38]

It’s pretty easy to pull the top off the T90 and remove the shifter assembly.
Yes, stuff gets worn out. Check the front and back wear areas where they touch the synchro sleeves, and anywhere else you see metal to metal contact.

May as well pull the balls and springs out and look at them too, though I suspect your problem is going to be one or more of the “big three” you mentioned earlier.

Take care,
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
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