T45 problem - Please Help diagnose

[bhuff30]

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.

 

[singlecamdude]

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]

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]

I'm guessing a fork or something in that part of the mechanism.

 

[singlecamdude]

Yeah man u need a new one or a rebuilt one. I found mine on craigslist for 250 but there really expensive.

 

[midnightdriver]

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]

Who rebuilt your transmission? A local company or sent it off?

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]

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]

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]

Who rebuilt your transmission? A local company or sent it off?

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]

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.

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.