Topic: Popping out of gear

[Jeff F]

My '87 4cyl, 5spd trans won't stay in gear in first or second.  I have to hold it there to keep it in gear.  It sometimes comes out in third, but the higher gears seem to resist this better than the lower ones.  The stick also has alot of play, so I thought it might be related to the shifter bushing.  The trans does have 220K on it, so may be time to tear into it.  Thanks for the help.

[reklund5]

Try a new shifter seat and bushing.  They can be replaced from inside the cab without pulling the tranny.  I'd try that first as it is only like $20 in parts that you'll need anyway if you have to tear it down. 

Ryan

[79coyotefrg]

hey jeff,  go hop in the truck and go down the road , hold your shifter against the dash or seat whichever and speed up and slow down if you can feel alot of movement in the shift your bearings are toast,   if its the shifter seat and bushing it wont do it

[Marlin]

This is a very common problem.
It could very well be the seat and socket.
I invented a super duty seat and would replace both the seat and socket first.
It is listed in the transmission rebuilding section and costs less than the dealer part

To remove the trans handle shifter;
Carborated G54 trans--pull up on the handle boot and then push down on the double D handle retainer ring and turn it counterclock 1/4".
EFI W56 trans--pull up on the handle boot and remove the four 10mm head 6x1.00mm bolts.

If the seat and socket are good, then you may have a worn 1/2 fork and/or worn mainshaft bearing. With 220K, it sounds like a trans job might be next.

Marlin