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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

T45 problem - Please Help diagnose

  • Thread starter Thread starter bhuff30
  • Start date Start date Apr 11, 2011

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Apr 11, 2011
#1
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #1
I was accelerating up an onramp and grabbed for 2nd gear. Obviously, something broke at that moment. Here is what I know so far:

The car is completely stuck in 1st gear. I can move the shifter to any position freely at a stop. If I let the clutch out in 1st 2nd or neutral, I get 1st gear (always in 1st, even in neutral). If I try to move to 3, 4 5 or r, the car won't budge... probably because 1st and the other gear are both engaged and working against each other inside the transmission.

The clutch and cable still work fine. I pulled the shift boot off and the linkage attached to the exterior of the transmission is still in place.

So what is the likely problem? I am guessing either syncro/blocking ring or shift fork. The forks are suppose to be the upgraded hanlin forks and the car is acting differently than when I broke a fork before. With the broken fork, I could choose any gear except that of the broken fork.
 
S

singlecamdude

New Member
Apr 6, 2011
25
0
0
Apr 11, 2011
#2
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #2
Samething happen to me only it was third. I bought a new one or you can get it rebuilt but it won't be the same. What where you doing when that happen?
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Apr 11, 2011
#3
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #3
I was trying to make a quick 1-2 shift when it happen. The car has 185k miles, so the syncros weren't exactly in good condition.

My plan is to buy a replacement, either stock rebuilt unit or a 'performance' transmission from D&D, hanlon, or someone else. I just want to confirm it is something very deep inside, like a fork or syncro before spending the money. If it is something near the surface or that is easily replaced, then I would rather do that of course.
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Apr 11, 2011
#4
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #4
I'm guessing a fork or something in that part of the mechanism.
 
S

singlecamdude

New Member
Apr 6, 2011
25
0
0
Apr 11, 2011
#5
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #5
Yeah man u need a new one or a rebuilt one. I found mine on craigslist for 250 but there really expensive.
 

midnightdriver

Active Member
Jan 3, 2010
443
2
27
Northern California
Apr 11, 2011
#6
  • Apr 11, 2011
  • #6
I got my T45 rebuilt with HD parts for $900 out the door. It shifts differently though then before it was rebuilt, much more positive gear changes. It has gotten easier to shift over time (reduced stiffness) as I put more miles on the car (about 3500 since rebuild).

I wanted to rebuild it so i could pick the parts going into it, but its up to you. Just make sure if you buy a reman, get a good one from a reputable company. Also good time to check the clutch & components and the flywheel.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Apr 12, 2011
#7
  • Apr 12, 2011
  • #7
Who rebuilt your transmission? A local company or sent it off?

midnightdriver said:
I got my T45 rebuilt with HD parts for $900 out the door. It shifts differently though then before it was rebuilt, much more positive gear changes. It has gotten easier to shift over time (reduced stiffness) as I put more miles on the car (about 3500 since rebuild).

I wanted to rebuild it so i could pick the parts going into it, but its up to you. Just make sure if you buy a reman, get a good one from a reputable company. Also good time to check the clutch & components and the flywheel.
Click to expand...
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Apr 12, 2011
#8
  • Apr 12, 2011
  • #8
I talked to one guy who said it might be a lock in key, because that can prevent the trans from coming out of gear. Sounds likely to me since I had upgraded forks already.
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
8,474
1,463
223
Sea of Tranquility
Apr 15, 2011
#9
  • Apr 15, 2011
  • #9
Mine did the same thing. Likely the 1-2 fork broke and the shift rail fell apart. It was the second time I had it happen but it did act a bit differently than the 1st time I broke a fork. I put a used 3650 to replace the T-45 in mine. Shifts quite a bit smoother.
 

midnightdriver

Active Member
Jan 3, 2010
443
2
27
Northern California
Apr 17, 2011
#10
  • Apr 17, 2011
  • #10
bhuff30 said:
Who rebuilt your transmission? A local company or sent it off?
Click to expand...

Local, I thought about sending ti to Halon Motorsports, DD or Promotion but didn't want to pay for the shipping and I was impatient. I got a recommendation from another stangnet member on where to go and I worked out great.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Apr 17, 2011
#11
  • Apr 17, 2011
  • #11
I priced out all the options and decided to do something similar to you. Paying $150+ for shipping each way is rediculous. I ordered a full rebuild kit from Hanlon and found a local shop who will do the labor for a reasonable rate. I'll pull the transmission out and send it with the parts to the shop. In a couple more weeks, I can put the transmission back in with a new clutch and should be good to go for a while.


midnightdriver said:
Local, I thought about sending ti to Halon Motorsports, DD or Promotion but didn't want to pay for the shipping and I was impatient. I got a recommendation from another stangnet member on where to go and I worked out great.
Click to expand...
 
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