Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

I have a 39 trans with LZ gears. I put in new synchros and thrust washers. I think the box is fine. I did not do anything to the shifter tower. Just put on the best feeling one that I had.

Now the symptoms. When going from 1st to second, I have to search around a bit. Push it out of 1st then go all the way to the right and it will not go into 2nd. I have to pull it a skosh to the left then it will go into 2nd. No problem from 2nd to third.

Hoping that the tower just needs work and the box does not need to come out.

Re: Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

There is a pin in the top of the trans lid, keys into the right side of the ball, where the shifter and the lid meet, under the large sheet metal nut that holds the shifter to the lid.

If the pin is missing, shifter will rotate.

The pin may have dropped int the trans... You have to find it- before it goes thru your gears.

Karl

Re: Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

The pin you you are talking about is where it belongs. The shifter does not rotate. I have dropped one into a trans about 45 years ago. Drained the fluid and poured large amounts of cleaning solvent in until it showed up

Re: Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

Lots of questions and little background given in your post. Which tower did you attempt to use? Which shift forks are in that tower? Which shifter lever are you using? Are you 100% sure you have the gears and the forks in their neutral positions before bolting the tower back on? Could the shifter lever bottom stub be bent? Can you provide pictures of your parts to help with a diagnosis?

Re: Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

Will take pics this afternoon Thanks

Re: Difficulty shifting a 39 Trans
 

If it doesn't have the correct 91A shift fork for 2nd & high shift control, it won't work well at all. Condition of the bottom end of the shift lever where it interfaces with the forks is important too. They can get a good bit of wear on the lever and in the notch of the forks.