I can no longer shift into 4th or 5th gear

[DJTM]

So you know how the shifter has a spring action when shifting from neutral to the left or right, well my shifter shifts to the left so I can engage 1st and reverse but there is literally no spring action going towards 4th and 5th so I can't switch into those gears anymore. Anyone ever have this problem or know someone who did?

[tatersalad812]

Originally Posted by DJTM

So you know how the shifter has a spring action when shifting from neutral to the left or right, well my shifter shifts to the left so I can engage 1st and reverse but there is literally no spring action going towards 4th and 5th so I can't switch into those gears anymore. Anyone ever have this problem or know someone who did?

sounds like you lost a shift fork or the linkage, if linkage looks good pull the top cover where shifter goes in and see what you can find.

[DJTM]

Originally Posted by tatersalad812

sounds like you lost a shift fork or the linkage, if linkage looks good pull the top cover where shifter goes in and see what you can find.

Should I pull everything out? I'm a little nervous cause I've never done it before and I just don't want to mess anything up, but I'm pretty sure the entire column needs to be cleaned and inspected.

[tatersalad812]

Originally Posted by DJTM

Should I pull everything out? I'm a little nervous cause I've never done it before and I just don't want to mess anything up, but I'm pretty sure the entire column needs to be cleaned and inspected.

What model spicer is it? Ill pull exploded views and see what i can find.

[Omnibot2000]

I believe it's this that you have. Been years.

[DJTM]

Originally Posted by tatersalad812

What model spicer is it? Ill pull exploded views and see what i can find.

Took a picture of the plate on the transmission

[DJTM]

Originally Posted by Omnibot2000

I believe it's this that you have. Been years.

Is that for the ES53-5A? You know the sad part is I had work done on it in NYC and it shifted into 4th gear once on the way to Houston back in 2022 but not since. It didn't bother me much because my dad was riding with me and he didn't feel comfortable if I drove faster than 45 - 50mph so only being able to shift as high as 3rd gear was OK, but it's time to get it fixed.

[Omnibot2000]

Originally Posted by DJTM

Is that for the ES53-5A? You know the sad part is I had work done on it in NYC and it shifted into 4th gear once on the way to Houston back in 2022 but not since. It didn't bother me much because my dad was riding with me and he didn't feel comfortable if I drove faster than 45 - 50mph so only being able to shift as high as 3rd gear was OK, but it's time to get it fixed.

No it's not. Not worked on the one you have.

[tatersalad812]

Originally Posted by DJTM

Is that for the ES53-5A? You know the sad part is I had work done on it in NYC and it shifted into 4th gear once on the way to Houston back in 2022 but not since. It didn't bother me much because my dad was riding with me and he didn't feel comfortable if I drove faster than 45 - 50mph so only being able to shift as high as 3rd gear was OK, but it's time to get it fixed.

https://www.pgttruckparts.com/Spicer...ion-s/2598.htm

my money is on a shift fork linkage.... someone forgot to snug something up or a pin somewhere

[Omnibot2000]

I just looked at that pdf. Dang near looks like the trans has to be torn down to access the rod and forks. What a dumb set up if it is.

Hope I'm not seeing the picture correctly.

[DJTM]

Originally Posted by Omnibot2000

I just looked at that pdf. Dang near looks like the trans has to be torn down to access the rod and forks. What a dumb set up if it is.

Hope I'm not seeing the picture correctly.

Oh boy, I hope so too! I'm gonna see how far I can get with the shift column and hope it's something I can access without having to have the transmission taken down.

[shortbus4x4]

Originally Posted by Omnibot2000

I just looked at that pdf. Dang near looks like the trans has to be torn down to access the rod and forks. What a dumb set up if it is.

Hope I'm not seeing the picture correctly.

Yep, pull trans and split it. Not a good design and not a strong trans. Was responsible for a few trucks that had them, when they quit we replaced with a Weller reman. Didn't try to dig into them ourselves.

OP, might look into swapping a better trans since it has to be pulled anyways.

[Omnibot2000]

Originally Posted by shortbus4x4

Yep, pull trans and split it. Not a good design and not a strong trans. Was responsible for a few trucks that had them, when they quit we replaced with a Weller reman. Didn't try to dig into them ourselves.

OP, might look into swapping a better trans since it has to be pulled anyways.

That sucks. In the past I could take the top plate off and see what we are look at with out tear down and also service the forks and rods' in truck at times

I guess now if you wanted one could look at a different trans. Even an overdrive unit.

[Booyah45828]

By all means pull the shift tower and have a look. It would take you half an hour and might be something simple. With it out of the way, you might be able to look down into the trans and see if the 4-5 synchronizer is busted or something.

If it's not something simple, then yes, the trans needs removed and split. Like omni suggested, now might be the time to get a 7 speed or a twin countershaft unit with an OD that you've wanted.

[Omnibot2000]

A 7 speed with an overdrive would work good depending on diff gearing.

Just out of curiosity a spicer eso66-7b is a 2-7 synchronized manual with a .74 od. Not sure what it would take to fit up though.

[DJTM]

Thanks for all the replies and info fellas. I'll take a look and see what I see. If it's not a simple job I guess it's 3rd gear until I have it looked at.

I don't even know what kind of transmission I'd want or what the differences are but I know you guys will steer me in the right direction. I truly appreciate your wisdom and time.