1994 4.0 Stuck in gear

[Cooked]

1994 4.0L 5speed 4x4.

Start in first, second then shift into 3rd is not possible and after that trans stays in "gear", when put into neutral with clutch disengaged rpms drop and truck tries to creep forward. I can get trans to unlock by giving the clutch a quick "pop" and it will free up and neutral problem goes away until shift into 2nd again. Also if i skip 2nd and go from 1st to 3rd all is good. Any ideas or suggestions to what the problem is greatly appreciated

 

[RangerSVT]

I would say clutch or syncros. I just rebuilt Kage's 4.0 tranny with 4 banger gears, he had a Siezed bearing... How old is your clutch?

 

[Cooked]

The truck is fairly new to me so I have no idea how old that kind of stuff is. Would a blown clutch create that problem in only one gear?

 

[Cooked]

I should add that when popping the clutch to get trans free again is while truck is moving and that when it's "locked" shifter is moving out of gear and to a neutral position easily.

 

[RangerSVT]

I'd say you have shifter fork issues. Either way your trans will need to be pulled and inspected internally...
SVT

 

[Cooked]

Hey thanks for the input RangerSVT! I was hoping not to have to drop trans to inspect the shift rail but I see I have to now as the Floor board hole isn't quite big enough to get at it?stupid? I did drain ther fluid and found quite a bit of ground metal bits on the plug. Do you know what years of transmissions I could use in this truck?

 

[RangerSVT]

86ish (IIRC) up 4.0 trannies, after 01 was the heavy duty M5OD-R1 trannies...

SVT

 

[Cooked]

Thanks! One last question for now is I was thinking it would be great if i could check the shift rail out with the trans in the truck, Is there any reason not to cut the floor hole a bit bigger to get access to it?

 

[RangerSVT]

You can, but you will need to make a panel to cover the hole you make..
SVT

 

[Cooked]

Finally got a chance to look inside the transmission and the shift rail and forks look fine. Not much wear on the forks at all. no gears/syncros look bad. Got a hell of a lot of fines stuck to the drain plug magnet though!!

So A quiick recap..Ive ruled out the clutch and rail as a problem. Being in confirmed neutral and the clutch pedal released the truck creeps forward to the point that it stalls if i realease the clutch fully. Doesn't feel like its in a gear cause if i apply throttle it doesnt change anything..more like a busted bearing issue casuing enough friction?!? What do you think?

 

[RangerSVT]

It could be a siezed syncro, or failing bearing...would have to pull it apart to verify...

SVT