Tranny issues again

[PDCjonny]

I have posted on this subject before, but I need some advice on what to do with a problem I'm having with my car. It's third gear. Sometimes, even though I am shifting with the same degree of force as any other gear, it doesn't engage. It feels like a normal shift, the shifter looks like it's in third gear, but when letting up on the clutch the shifter pops backwards with a bang and the car is in neutral. I engage the clutch and jam it up again and it will engage. I have to really concentrate on banging it into third, not shifting it normally into third. Something is wrong internally in the tranny. The really disconcerting thing is I never know when it's going to happen. I could shift a hundred times with the same amount of force and it doesn't happen, but then boom, twice in row. There is no rhyme or reason. So who knows trannies around here?
So here's my question:

1. Has there every been a TSB or issue with the T-56 and third gear in any year?

2. Who fixes this kind of problem? A competent transmission repair place? Is there such a thing? I don't know where to go for this. I know this is the same tranny used in Vettes and other cars, with differnrt gearing? It can't be that hard for someone to troubleshoot can it? I spoke to Chuck T about it briefly, but I don't think he does that kind of internal tranny troubleshooting work.

I have to get this fixed, it's ******* me off..advice?

 

[Ulysses]

1. Has there every been a TSB or issue with the T-56 and third gear in any year?

Scouring through the TSBs, I didn't see one

2. Who fixes this kind of problem? A competent transmission repair place? Is there such a thing? I don't know where to go for this. I know this is the same tranny used in Vettes and other cars, with differnrt gearing? It can't be that hard for someone to troubleshoot can it? I spoke to Chuck T about it briefly, but I don't think he does that kind of internal tranny troubleshooting work.

T-56s are pretty common. Any tranny house should be able to fix it. Real easy to trouble shoot once it is cracked open.

Could be A) bent shift fork, but I would think it would happen all the time B) Bad synchronizer/friction surface worn, but again I would think it would happen all the time C) Damaged blocking ring, could well be this since I had this go bad in another vehicle and it was intermittent.

Most posts I have seen on the viper having shifting problems that included popping out of gear have been bent shift fork problems.

 

[Warfang]

I have the same problem. It seems to do that when I'm going too slow to be in third, but since it's intermittent, it's hard to pinpoint when exactly.

 

[PDCjonny]

*DELETED*

 

[PDCjonny]

I have the same problem. It seems to do that when I'm going too slow to be in third, but since it's intermittent, it's hard to pinpoint when exactly.

It's very intermittant, which is why it always takes me by surprise when I least expect it. You mean like a AAMCO? I shudder to think about that.....anyone have any suggestions for a competent tranny house on Long Island or somewhat locally?

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

That sounds like the synchro ring is sliding over the blocker ring (giving you the "engaged" feel) but not far enough onto the small teeth on the gear itself. The internal splines on the synchro are very slightly tapered, so when fully engaged, it actually pulls itself "into" gear. (One reason you can't pull it out of gear under load.) If it pops out, then it just wasn't engaged far enough (duh.) So besides a bent fork, which can't push the synchro enough distance, it could be the shifter stops - any chance you have an aftermarket shifter with adjustable stops?

Here's a time-consuming, might not do anything, but cheap potential fix - loosen the four bolts on the shifter and slide it rearwards as far as you can. That might gain you the fractions of an inch further "throw" to fully engage 3rd.

 

[PDCjonny]

Just have the MGW shifter, but it happened with the factory shifter now and then. I'm sure not comfortable bringing it to any old tranny repair place. Again, if anyone has any recomendations in the NY area for someone experienced with this tranny I would appreciate it.

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Jon- I sent you a PM outlining my experience. My advise is talk to the Hot Rod/Mechanics around your area about the tranny shops. The shop that did mine had a special lift, dedicated bay for antique/classic/specialty vehicles. The job took about a week -10 days. Mostly waiting for parts.
It's been 2 years no issues.