• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

89 GT only shifts into 4th

  • Thread starter Thread starter BodyByAAS
  • Start date Start date Jun 3, 2010
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#1
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #1
Just got this foxbody- it just wont go into gear - Only 4th, and itll drive out - although I dont recommend it nor did I try. The Previous owner told me that when the issue arose he put a new Tranny in it, and it had the same problem, or similar - his english wasn't perfect and my Spanish is even worse. Im not sure what the issue is with it, and I can take it to a tranny shop
but Im sure they are just going to want to swap the tranny - What are the odds its just the "shift fork"(I think thats what its called)? Anyway I can tell if the gears arent in sync or if its another issue before I take it to a mechanic and get had? I read it could also be the clutch cable

Other then ripping the tranny out and inspecting is there any sounds, feelings, signs or whatever that is not the gearbox - I mean, granted he could have gotten a ****ty tranny from the Junkyard, Im thinking its got to be something other then the actual Transmission.
 

5.0Droptop

...all those nights we shared, and you're a dude??
Special Agent Mukity-Muck Whats in Charge Round Here
May 15, 2002
1,785
1,130
233
Indiana
Jun 3, 2010
#2
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #2
Even if it was the cable or clutch, with the engine off you should be able to put it into other gears. If it wont go or acts like nothing is there its prolly the trans.
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#3
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #3
5.0Droptop said:
Even if it was the cable or clutch, with the engine off you should be able to put it into other gears. If it wont go or acts like nothing is there its prolly the trans.
Click to expand...

Im pretty ignorant with driving stick - So it should be able to make the movement of going into gears - should I have the clutch depressed when doing this?

I was thinking if the Shift fork was bent, it wouldnt go into any of the gears - maybe just forth cause of the coincidental placement and the way it could be bent, etc...

Any other thoughts?
 
R

RatStang

New Member
Feb 11, 2010
544
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#4
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #4
Check the Fork... if not bent then you're Forked. Have the tranny rebuilt or replaced.


and yes... engine off, clutch in. You should be able to get into all lthe gears.


Something else you may to check:

Remove the shifter and check for the plastic piece at the bottom of the shift lever. There's a chance that the thing is completely mangled and jamming up the shifter. I've not seen one cause the extreme problems you describe though.
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#5
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #5
DontGivaRatz said:
Check the Fork... if not bent then you're Forked. Have the tranny rebuilt or replaced.


and yes... engine off, clutch in. You should be able to get into all lthe gears.


Something else you may to check:

Remove the shifter and check for the plastic piece at the bottom of the shift lever. There's a chance that the thing is completely mangled and jamming up the shifter. I've not seen one cause the extreme problems you describe though.
Click to expand...


I heard about the plastic piece causing problems - Ill check that tonight - How can I check the fork?
 

5.0Droptop

...all those nights we shared, and you're a dude??
Special Agent Mukity-Muck Whats in Charge Round Here
May 15, 2002
1,785
1,130
233
Indiana
Jun 3, 2010
#6
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #6
Youd have to take the trans out and partially disassemble the t5
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#7
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #7
Hmm I'm not experienced enough to do that so I should def take it to a shop - any suggestions as to what to say to avoid them wasting time and raping me on $$$$?
 

MAC'n89Blckstng

Active Member
Jun 11, 2003
1,012
4
36
NJ
Jun 3, 2010
#8
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #8
If you only have 4th then you have a completely blown up trans. The reason 4th works and no other gears work is because when in fourth, it locks the input shaft in with the output shaft. That means its a straight shot with no gear reduction from the cluster gear. Most likely you cluster gear is broken as well as all the teeth on your input shaft. Time to find another trans. I highly doubt a bent shift fork or a broken shifter bushing is causing your problems.

I've blown up my share of t-5s and when you break the teeth off of the input shaft you lose all gears except 4th.
Your input shaft is going to look worse than this!
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#9
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #9
MAC'n89Blckstng said:
If you only have 4th then you have a completely blown up trans. The reason 4th works and no other gears work is because when in fourth, it locks the input shaft in with the output shaft. That means its a straight shot with no gear reduction from the cluster gear. Most likely you cluster gear is broken as well as all the teeth on your input shaft. Time to find another trans. I highly doubt a bent shift fork or a broken shifter bushing is causing your problems.

I've blown up my share of t-5s and when you break the teeth off of the input shaft you lose all gears except 4th.
Your input shaft is going to look worse than this!
Click to expand...

Thanks for this - much appreciated - However, why would he have the same problem with BOTH trannys? I doubt he blew 2 up back to back - he said (*and yeah, this is just what he said - who knows the truth) but apparently the tranny replacement didnt change anything
 

5.0Droptop

...all those nights we shared, and you're a dude??
Special Agent Mukity-Muck Whats in Charge Round Here
May 15, 2002
1,785
1,130
233
Indiana
Jun 3, 2010
#10
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #10
If you drive it in 4th and it sounds like someone dumped a box of gravle in the trans then its busted.
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#11
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #11
5.0Droptop said:
If you drive it in 4th and it sounds like someone dumped a box of gravle in the trans then its busted.
Click to expand...

hahahhaa Thats what I was looking for - When I get back to it Im going to see what we got going on - now theoretically, what if it sounds normal?
 

MAC'n89Blckstng

Active Member
Jun 11, 2003
1,012
4
36
NJ
Jun 3, 2010
#12
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #12
I think he's full of crap and you have a busted trans. There is nothing that should allow only fourth to work other than a broken cluster gear or input shaft.
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#13
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #13
Im going to bring it to a reputable shop tonight, hopefully it doesnt cost me too much - what should I expect to pay? This guy said its $495 for labor + parts...
 
R

RatStang

New Member
Feb 11, 2010
544
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#14
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #14
Were it me... I'd pull it, dump it in the trash, and get a new one from summit. I'd also order a Tri-Axe or MGW shifter for it.

If you've ever wondered what the hell all these crazy folks are about that talk about missing a shift (inadvertantly going into 1st when they're shooting for 3rd) then you'll find out when the new tranny is installed.

I recall my original tranny (very well worn in) never having missed shift problem but the new one.... well... it wasn't pretty till new shifter arrived.

Screw the rebuild unless you can do it yourself. It wouldn't suprise me in the least if that $495 ended up snowballing into the same cost as a new tranny.
 
B

BodyByAAS

New Member
Jun 3, 2010
32
0
0
Jun 3, 2010
#15
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #15
DontGivaRatz said:
Were it me... I'd pull it, dump it in the trash, and get a new one from summit. I'd also order a Tri-Axe or MGW shifter for it.

If you've ever wondered what the hell all these crazy folks are about that talk about missing a shift (inadvertantly going into 1st when they're shooting for 3rd) then you'll find out when the new tranny is installed.

I recall my original tranny (very well worn in) never having missed shift problem but the new one.... well... it wasn't pretty till new shifter arrived.

Screw the rebuild unless you can do it yourself. It wouldn't suprise me in the least if that $495 ended up snowballing into the same cost as a new tranny.
Click to expand...

Thanks alot - I wonder if it could be the shifter... it has this stupid smith and wesson gun handle thing -just the knob I mean, more like a handle.

Im going to sit and fuss around with it while I wait for AAA to come and tow it. Ill update via Mobile with anything I find - if it rattles, jingles, goes or just doesnt budge - If anyone else can give me more signs to look for it would be much appreciated.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
Jun 3, 2010
#16
  • Jun 3, 2010
  • #16
Only 4th gear means busted input shaft. Its as common as busting 3rd gear.

Pretty cut and dry and an expensive fix.
 

will1992

Member
Aug 25, 2005
123
0
16
Jun 4, 2010
#17
  • Jun 4, 2010
  • #17
i agree, could be a twisted or cracked input shaft. rebuild info if u are trying to do it here www.pomoforacing.com/tech/T5Rebuild2002.pdf
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Fox Fuel Pump Issues After Replacement/Upgrade
  • Ryu
  • Jun 23, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
543
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 5, 2026
Ryu
B
No spark. 1990 foxbody 5.0 gt
  • Boogi
  • Nov 16, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
179
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 16, 2025
Boogi
B
S
Upgrade Advice on an 89 GT Convertible NJ
  • SteakDad
  • Apr 17, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
869
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 18, 2025
limp
B
Questions About T5 Manual
  • Blackout67
  • Apr 13, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
592
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Apr 22, 2025
89ripper
J
Transmission issues 4r70w
  • Jess!08249
  • Nov 12, 2024
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
296
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Nov 14, 2024
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?