1997 Manual Popping out of 5th

[bennbennett]

Hi Everybody!

This is my first time posting, but after combing through some of the forums it seems like a great place to get some advice. I found you all through this thread: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131911

Basically, my clutch pops out of 5th when I apply pressure to the gas. If I'm coasting or apply very light pressure, it stays. I can visibly see (& feel) the gearstick slowly moving towards the center when I apply pressure to the gas. When I apply "too much", the stick just goes straight to neutral where I have to put it back into gear. No grinding, and no problems with getting IN to gear, just popping out. If I hold it in place, no problems at all (that I can see or hear, anyways).

From what I've read, it's not the synchros as they don't KEEP the gear in place, but it could be a couple things: bearings, gear oil (which I plan on replacing this weekend), transmission mount, or a bent fork. I don't mind doing minor work on stuff, but am a bit out of my league when it comes to more involved stuff. I'm happy to get it fixed as this truck has been an absolute workhorse, but if the cost is too much $$$$, I may end up getting rid of it as it may not even be worth $1k.

If anyone has had this problem, or knows of how to get it diagnosed without taking apart the clutch, I'm all ears!

Thanks in advance!

 

[tomw]

Most times it is either the bearings, making the gears non-perpendicular where the teeth mesh becomes offset or angular, or the linkage, forks being part of that, being worn.
I would be dropping the transmission and doing a good inspection of the linkage before taking it apart further.
tom