Damn T5 and 3rd Gear!!

[AUII_Forte]

Do any of you guys have any tips for finding 3rd @ WOT???

The XR6 T5 in my EF makes it extremely difficult not to mention embarrasing!!

The synchro on 3rd is a bit worn, it grinds into gear occassionally when changed on redline. This doesn't really cause a problem though, it's finding the bloody gear. A quick change from 2nd usually results in 5th, 1st or slamming the limiter hard right at a crucial moment!

It's still got the stock shifter and the box is in really good nick except for the synchro, but I really don't think the synchro is what's causing the problem. Would a short shifter or something help??

[stockstandard]

Shorted shifter seemed to make it a bit easier for me. I cant say I really had much trouble finding 3rd to begin with though.

[TUFED6]

Make up some Nolathane Engine/Trans mounts.

I reckon half the problem is when you've got it flat in 2nd the motor/trans are leaning over- and when you take your foot off the gas to grab third the motor returns to a more upright position and suddenly third isn't where you thought it was anymore.

I've limited the amount of flex my mounts will permit but its still not perfect.

- John

[sr180]

Also try some Redline synthetic gearbox oil.. Works wonders on worn boxes. Expensive though.

[NC_Steve]

I removed the two bushes inbetween the stick and the shifter. Mainly because they were worn and there was slack in the gear stick. I have driven a mates EB with them in and think without them is much better.

[Pilch]

Originally Posted by TUFED6

Make up some Nolathane Engine/Trans mounts.

I reckon half the problem is when you've got it flat in 2nd the motor/trans are leaning over- and when you take your foot off the gas to grab third the motor returns to a more upright position and suddenly third isn't where you thought it was anymore.

I've limited the amount of flex my mounts will permit but its still not perfect.

- John

Interesting.... I wasn't satisfied with the way my T5 was mounted under the XC, and changed the mount from the original style to a X-Series style mount which uses two bolts to the cross member instead of the original one bolt.....

*Maybe* it has been easier to shift into 3rd since than, maybe it's just fluke that it coincided with the time it took to get used to the box.... interesting though!

[SileNceR]

my old box was fine, just lightly push it upwards and it should spring to center and find third by itself... I only ever had trouble when i was trying to move it across and up, kept hitting the gates..

[neb]

I sometimes have trouble getting it into second gear... but 3rd I always get.

John how did you limit the amount of flex in your mounts. I'm using all ford mounts that are only 6months old.. and my engine and gearbox tend to move a decent amount at WOT

[Sox]

Check the condition of the engine/box mounts.

Rick.

[AUII_Forte]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll check the mounts out on the weekend.