Will Dorman 917-551 Manual Transmission Shift Re-Build Kit fix loss of 5th and reverse gears?

[moretsky99]

5speed manual 96 Ranger

I was able to shift the first 4 gears, but the shifter was like a dead fish over to the right side so lost 5th and assuming reverse is gone as well. Kept trying to find fifth, but only got 3rd. I knew, but ignored that my shifter had too much play and indeed, took it off recently to replace the clutch.

I ordered the rebuild kit. After I install that will I fix the problem of 2 lost gears or will I have to do something more?

 

[fastpakr]

Can you clarify what type of transmission you’re dealing with?

Assuming it’s a Mazda transmission, that sounds like the standard shift bushing failure. The Dorman kit should help.

 

[moretsky99]

I'm sorry, I don't know what transmission it is, only that it's a 96 Ranger. Assuming from your response that there are multiples for that year.
The reason I wrote is that another time someone here had me wiggle a screwdriver down the shifter hole when I couldn't get the shifter back on. Wondered if the kit will just give me back the gears without having to do more?

 

[fastpakr]

I missed the 1996 reference in your post the first time I read it. Definitely a Mazda. I’m not absolutely sure it’s the only issue but probably. That’s where I’d start.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Once I had one of the two pins that align the shifter to the transmission break, it shifted very weird... bushings were also shot. That kit is a good start as it comes with all of the wear parts.

 

[Shran]

If your shifter is real floppy then you need the bushing kit regardless. Try it and rule out that problem.

Having seen a lot of floppy shifters over the years, I can say that I only remember one that was so bad that I couldn't find every gear. Usually you can find all of them fairly easily, just not where you expect. There are a lot of moving parts in the shifter assembly and it's possible that something else is broke or worn out. I am a firm believer that driving around with a really floppy shifter creates a lot of unnecessary wear on the shift forks. The 5th & rev fork has also been a common part that I've found with extreme wear when tearing these apart. If it seems like you just have no 5th or reverse at all and no grinding even after new shifter bushings, I would be looking at removing the tailhousing to inspect that shift fork. It can be replaced without removing the transmission but is kind of a pain.

 

[scotts90ranger]

True, leave the booger hooks off of the shifter while driving! I just reassembled a transmission for my F350 and found out the hard way that the shift fork for 5/R is worn out, I have to hold the shifter in reverse which is awful fun with a camper and trailer with a 168" wheelbase... I haven't worked up the energy to pull the 200+ pound transmission out again just to change the fork... it's more convenient on an M5OD...

Like Shran said, start with the bushing kit first...

 

[moretsky99]

If your shifter is real floppy then you need the bushing kit regardless. Try it and rule out that problem.

Having seen a lot of floppy shifters over the years, I can say that I only remember one that was so bad that I couldn't find every gear. Usually you can find all of them fairly easily, just not where you expect. There are a lot of moving parts in the shifter assembly and it's possible that something else is broke or worn out. I am a firm believer that driving around with a really floppy shifter creates a lot of unnecessary wear on the shift forks. The 5th & rev fork has also been a common part that I've found with extreme wear when tearing these apart. If it seems like you just have no 5th or reverse at all and no grinding even after new shifter bushings, I would be looking at removing the tailhousing to inspect that shift fork. It can be replaced without removing the transmission but is kind of a pain.

Oh, Save me from removing the transmission again! That last top bolt gets me every time!

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, those top bolts can be cranky...

Like Shran said, all of the 5/R stuff is behind the main chunk of transmission and should be changeable in vehicle, still wouldn't be the most fun but doable, getting the rear bearing off is probably the hardest part as it isn't the most easy to get out in general being like 12" deep or so, I had to make extensions for my puller...

 

[RobWigglezz]

I wish I could replace the springs at the bottom of the shifter that keep it centered. Left is way weaker than pushing it to the right.

 

[SenorNoob]

Isn't the shifter kit in the title the only thing controlling that? I know every one I've driven is the same way. I always assumed to make it more noticeable when you shift right for overdrive or reverse...

 

[scotts90ranger]

Isn't the shifter kit in the title the only thing controlling that? I know every one I've driven is the same way. I always assumed to make it more noticeable when you shift right for overdrive or reverse...

No, the springs are somewhere in the top plate with the detents and such... I've been curious about it myself but not enough to monkey with the business end, I'll stick with messing with the whirrly bits...

 

[moretsky99]

I wish I could replace the springs at the bottom of the shifter that keep it centered. Left is way weaker than pushing it to the right.

I just replaced the old with the new. The Dorman 917-551 Manual Transmission Shift Re-Build Kit only came with 1 metal washer. I watched a number of videos regarding this. Seems there's a metal spring washer below the bottom plastic piece and another above the top plastic piece, but the Dorman kit only comes with 1 metal spring washer. I used the old one to put 1 below and 1 above. Another tip from a video guy was the grease Dorman suggests putting on the plastic. I usually use wheel bearing grease for everything, but I researched that some greases destroy plastic. I happen to have some food grade grease I bought when repairing a mixer. I used that hoping for better results. When I removed the old, both plastic pieces had been completely chewed up. There was nothing left but shreds. Wonder if it was from the wrong grease. From what I'm reading here from your comments, the spring keeps the shifter centered???
I also note that there are 2 pins. One was backed out. One of the videos suggested LockTite which I used to try to keep the new pin in place.

 

[Shran]

I’ve seen the wave washers on top AND bottom. No idea if that was a factory setup or if it just had one. The ones that had only one, were on top. Maybe that’s because the repair kit only comes with one? Who knows!

I’ve run them without any wave washers and it just makes the shifter a little looser. I don’t think the grease type matters much, I just use a little Vaseline, it probably melts out and is replaced quickly with splashed up ATF.

 

[SenorNoob]

There's only one place that could have other springs.
It's the very back of the shift rails.

Some pics for reference.