Dear Scotty,
I have a 1989 Ford F150 Lariate 2 wheel drive 5 speed manual with a 302 V8. 186,000 miles. When you shift into 3rd gear sometimes it pops out of gear and it won't take 4th gear at all. All other gears seem to work fine. Could it be something simple? Or is this transmission in need of a complete rebuild? Love the show and watch every day!
Thanks!
I hate to tell you but it is most likely your transmission that is going out and that is going to be very expensive. Another option you have is to get a used transmission from a junkyard with low miles. This is definitely a gamble but it would be a lot cheaper.
Simple Youtube search says gg to your transmission
I’d keep driving it in gears 1,2,5 & reverse only, till you approach the end of the useful life of the vehicle.
The more you use 3rd, the quicker it’ll end up like 4th presently is.
You could try a junkyard transmission, but then who knows what shape that’s in, either??
It sounds like the syncros are worn to the extent that it never really engages the gear. Fortunately, it's a manual and not an automatic. It's a lot cheaper to rebuild. When driving a manual, keep your arm OFF the shift lever.
