Ford Toploader Shifting Fork

I'm not a transmission expert, either - but before you tear everthing down, I would check the linkage adjustment. It's pretty easy to do, and controls everything between the shifter and transmission. Linkage can come out of adjustment, with normal, let alone spirited driving. It's not uncommon either to find the linkage bent - which seems to me something a 'big rock' might actually do. Check that first, and see if you can grab your gear. You can find out the adjustment procedure pretty easy with a search...

It is possible that there is internal damage, but you would have to remove the top cover in order to have a hope of seeing it. That is easy to do. There is no easy way to remove a shift fork (or most any other internal part that could be bent or broken) without some major transmission disassembly. Decent mechanical skills are required.

As suggested by the above posters, check the external linkage rods and levers for binding. If nothing else get the car up in the air and snap a few photos of the linkage. Post them here so we can further diagnose the problem.

+1 for the easy fix first, check your linkage from under the car,(unless the trans is already out,) and see if it looks like this, or has any 'obvious' damage.


Ford design Toploader four speed Transmission

If anyone gets a chance, take a look at my '67 Fastback video.
YouTube - 67 Mustang.wmv

I don't see how the fork could be bent and still work. Pull the top cover and shift it with a wrench, see if it slides all the way into gear.

2+2GT said:

I don't see how the fork could be bent and still work. Pull the top cover and shift it with a wrench, see if it slides all the way into gear.

Click to expand...

I 100% agree that a bent shift fork is highly unlikely, although other internal damage might have been done.

OP--Be sure to rotate the input shaft (with your hand is OK) in the process of trying to put it into any gear.

As mentioned, best to do this when the cover is off so that you can see if the gear gets fully engaged. Shift the 3/4 gears first to get a feel of the gear engagements. It also will give you a good visual reference of what you are looking for (or look at the pics at the end of my post.) Also, don't confuse the reverse lever location with the others as it will not travel as far.

Here the wench is set up to shift the 3/4 gears:



Reverse is the stud location in the middle and 1/2 is the rear (RH stud in photo.)

In the following picture first gear is on the right. The transmission location for 1/2 is neutral:



In this photo 1st gear is full engaged (what you are looking for):



You must have the 3/4 gears in the neutral (center) position in order to move the 1/2 lever. Vice verse if you want to move the 3/4 lever. Reverse requires that both the 3/4 and the 1/2 levers be in the neutral position.

OP-Answer to your other question: When removing the cover, you will probably see a big spring on the driver's side of the case. Seen on the upper right of this photo:



I say probably because of the quoted year of the toploader. Earlier toploaders (64-67) used a plug with a small spring under it instead.

The spring is not under extreme pressure and it will not shoot out of the case when the 10 bolts of the cover are removed. It is about 1 1/2" long or so long and it will stay in place as long as you do not turn the tranny upside down. It can be removed if you want by pulling up on it--there is nothing to hurt. Under the spring is a ball that is not under tension. Again, it will remain in the case as long as you don't turn the tranny upside down.