M5R1 First gear issues,

[big_o7]

I have a 94 ranger with about 330k miles on it, but im having issues with first gear. When i put the truck into first i have to hold the lever as far forward as it will go otherwise it makes a grinding noise and falls out of gear. now once i have it in gear it will stay there till i take my foot out of the accelerator. All other gears shift fine and i have no issues with them. after some searching i see talk about the 1-2 shift fork, but i dont know how worn it is, im going to assume a lot given the miles i've put on it. its a daily driver so i need to be able to do all work over a weekend, is there a way to inspect the shift fork with out removing the top cover? and what else should i look for?

 

[big_o7]

no one has any ideas,

 

[swamprat]

the top cover has to be removed. There are about 12 13mm screws holding it on. Put trans in neutral and remove the screws. Remove the plate. The shift forks will come out with the cover. The shift fork for the first gear is towards the rear of the trans. More than likely it is badly worn. If it is worn it will be obvious. I swapped out forks on my F 150 last month. I had to pull the trans.

 

[big_o7]

other then cutting a huge hole in the floorboard, i dont suppose i can pull the top cover with the tranny still in the truck......