1998 - Should I get syncros replaced? And car's got the shakes.

[soctty7676]

Hey all, I got a quick question. I FINALLY got my 1998 GT Conv. down to the transmission shop for a new clutch after driving it for 6 months without it disengaging properly (goes in to get replaced next month). The tranny guy drove the car and thinks it just needs a new clutch, he said he could put new syncros in it if I want, but doesn't think it needs it. The car has 85,000 miles on it and shifts really clunky especially between 1st-2nd, he says this is the clutch. It always shifts into first without any problems at a stop. He works on plenty of Mustangs, so I don't doubt his knowledge, plus he is trying to save me money. But, has anyone else replaced their syncros at 85,000 miles? I'm just wondering if I should do it now, or wait till it really needs them, then worry about it.

Also, the car shakes like mad between 60-65mph. So bad, if I were going around a turn the car could possibly loose control. I have replaced all 4 tires, balanced twice and replace one wheel (bent from crank pulley flying off at 6000 rpms). But the shake is still there. The U-joints are fine. Where should I look next, the mechanic mentioned bushings, and driveshaft. Anything else you guys have had to cause this problem?

 

[mrvax]

Get the clutch replaced and replace your shifter with an aftermarket one like the Steeda or Pro5.0. The shakes could be coming from the driveshaft since you had just about everything else replaced.

 

[fiveofanatic]

Bad driveshaft makes sense after bent wheels or bad tires. I wouldn't spend the $$ on tranny parts other than a clutch unless the tranny guy says you need them.

 

[nex2nutin]

Make sure your check your rotors and make sure they are not out of round. Replace the clutch and the the throwout bearing and dont mess with the syncro's unless really needed. But when he does the clutch disc make sure he checks the flywheel for roundness as well and crankshaft endplay. If your crank pulley flew off you might have bad crank main bearings or "knock on wood" a bent crankshaft.

But all and all these test can be all done while he has the tranny off the car replacing your clutch.

 

[soctty7676]

I did forget to mention that I replaced all four rotors and put new brake pads on all around. It needed that when I bought the car.

When I talked to the trans guy, he is going to replace the clutch, tob, pilot bearing, and have the flywheel resurfaced.

If it were a crankshaft problem, I would think it would shake at a certain rpm. My car shakes at a certain speed, no matter if it's in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear. Which leads me to believe it's the driveshaft. I think I may just replace it with an aluminum one anyways.

Anyone know any good places to buy an aluminum driveshaft for my '98 GT?

Thanks for all the feedback, it helps to hear other peoples opinions and experiences!

 

[twogts4us]

Ford Alum driveshaft, but the prices have increased lately.
You can get you OEM driveshaft balanced.

 

[topless98gt]

If the tranny guy says you don't need them, you don't need them. Wait it out. You'll know when your syncros need to be replaced. Now, if he told you that they need to be replaced for sure and they didn't, that'd be questionable, because in that case he might be trying to make some money off of you like some tranny guys do. "I'm gonna have to rebuild your transmission to replace a u-joint, it's gonna cost $1200." PSHHHHH! Yeah right!