Popping out of 5th gear

160k miles on a 1991 Ranger 3.0L with the Mazda M50D transmission I believe - pops out of 5th gear on the highway.... asked around and the most common answer I've gotten is something to do with sycronizers? (I'm sorta transmission stoopid here). One reputable shop said that 95% of the time, the upper plate can be replaced to solve that? around $150 for the part.... I'm figuring pulling the transmission eventually and doing myself if someone says this is a viable option and not hard to do.... or give to shop and spend around $500 if that IS the problem but looking at costing alot more if not they say.... grrrr... currently using a ball joint separator shoved between stick shift and seat to keep the booger from popping out.... ideas???

Synchros help the gear engage. They don't hold it in gear. My first guess would be worn bearing(s) or shift fork. Any chance you've messed around with the carpet or boot, or something else that could prevent it from fully engaging?

EDIT: Read this: http://www.wcengineering.com/articles/popout.html

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That's what I'm hearing about synchros and I don't have any problem getting into any gear. 5th goes in gear fine. The problem comes when applying gas... The bearing issue seems a possibility as in the link you provided. Funny thing was the guy/shop that talked about this "upper plate" being a fairly simple repair asked if it was only popping out when applying gas and said 95% it's due to this upper plate.... sticks in gear fine if just rolling or decelerating.... or even if just slight acceleration.... push down hard on accelerator and a couple seconds later "POP!!!".... wondering if anyone can confirm that? haven't read anything in these forums about it... was moving towards the bearing idea... if it's costly, I probably will just leave things be and use the ball separator fork.... or stick with more costly gas charge running in 4th

while it's probably not the best idea, I do use 5th gear most of the time on the highway... this 3.0 is a dawg and acceleration absolutely sux on the highway with the slightest of hills... even 4th isn't that great... my guess is, using 5th all the time since getting the truck at 27k miles almost 20yrs. ago has worn something? plus maybe another bad thing I've done is popping the gear out occasionally being lazy without the clutch when getting off the hwy... well, now it pops out just fine... all the time! lol

and no, carpet or boot not keeping it from engaging... it goes in just like normal... just pops because of something worn it seems.... I think I had an issue like this once in a toyota pickup and I was able to take the top plate off of the transmission and replace a little plastic ball for minimal charge that was worn out.... was causing alot of sloppiness with the stick shift as well that cleared up after that fix.... this Ford seems to be real sloppy in 5th too and really hoping it's a simple fix...

The shifter sloppiness will most likely be the bushing in the shifter base. Here's a how to with a repair kit if you are interested.

Thanks Shane, I'll check into that.... I'm guessing that probably has no issue with the initial problem though... guess I'll try to figure out what this upper plate is that this shop said might be the problem and go from there... if it's a bearing I'm guessing I'll be forking out more money than the truck is worth... :-(

I know I could get a trans for around 50 bucks at Pick-n-Pull. Keep that in mind.

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Also.... I am not sure what replacing the "top plate" means. I am guessing he thinks he can access the problem by taking the cover off. You may want to make sure your fluid level is good as well. These thing have a knack for losing the rubber plugs up by the shifter housing, and leaking all of the fluid out.

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hard to believe $50 but have yet to shop it.... fluid is full. first thing I checked... was a little low... filled er up... crossed fingers but nope, still POPPED out... not sure what he was talking about... I have looked at what appears to be the "upper plate" in a schematic and is labeled as the cover you are talking about and yeah, I kinda don't see how that could be the culprit... guess I'll shop transmissions soon... thanks!

Post your location and i'll give you a price on a 3.0 2wd M5OD shipped to your door. I have one ready to roll and didn't even throw it on ebay yet.

Cincinnati, OH 45239

Brian1973 said:

hard to believe $50 but have yet to shop it....

Click to expand...

My buddy owns a trans shop and pulls them for $49.50 all the time on Wednesday's (50% day).

well... cool beans... hope I can find a cheap one then... I appreciate your help! Thank you

welp, a short time spent looking and salvage yards around here are pretty quick to say 5sp transmission for my truck are hard to find... and from one "yards" computer data base of area yards, the closest one is MILES away and NOT selling for any $50... lol

???

is it possible that these yards are looking specifically for a 1991 like mine when I give them my information? Will any year M50D 5sp for a 3.0L 2wd work????

I actually have one that I could sell you but you're in Cincinnati and i'm in Northeast PA. I do ship though. It would cost you $463 to have one on your doorstep with a 90 day guarantee. I take payments over the phone via merchant account. If you wanted to save a little I could drop it to $450 if paid with a USPS money order. I don't know what the yard that's miles away wants but if i'm cheaper than their cost plus fuel and you're interested then just send me a PM and i'll get back to you.