hard to speed shift after replacing 5spd transmission
 

I have a 90 LX and replaced the original 2.3L drive train with a 5.0L drive train - trans, engine & rear end. The 5spd transmission is from a 93 mustang. I installed a new clutch cable as well.


When I shift normal, the shifter slides into the next gear smooth and without effort, but when I try to speed shift, it binds and I have to force it (jam it) into the next gear. No noise, grinding - nothing just binds to prevent a quick shift.


I tried adjusting the clutch, but did not change anything.


Any ideas on what I could try to eliminate the binding?


Thank you

Welcome aboard, be sure to tell us more about your car. My guess is that there is an internal transmission problem.

The 5L appears to have been worked on, but sounds like it may have a cam installed as it does not sound stock and even with a the 273 limited slip diff. it seems to have quite a bit of power. wouldn't win any 1/4 mi races though. But it is still a lot of fun to drive.


The trans does not have any contamination (filings or cuttings in the oil) and no matter how hard I jam the shifter I can not grind the gears (indicating to me the syncros are OK) I has me stumped. But I may just have to pull it out and look inside and check the tolerances. Could it be something in the shift tower causing ?

Welcome to cmoc!

Welcome to CMOC.

What kind of fluid did you use in the trans? When you installed the new clutch cable did you install a firewall adjuster as well?

I was going to ask about fluid as well. T-5s can be kind of picky.

Did you change out the fluids? Did you use ATF Dexron III/Mercon trans fluid?

Hi - thanks for replies and questions. I double checked and yes I used ATF Dexron III, I replaced the clutch cable. I reused the firewall adjuster as it looked in good condition. Not sure if I should lift the shifter off and check it to see if it is possibly binding/hanging up when I try to speed shift. What are your thoughts?

I don't think you can really see much of anything pulling the shifter off but it's easy enough to do.