3 speed manual with Low gear, hard to shift into low gear

[AuroraGirl]

I plow with my truck, and 1st gear is a little steep for the slow speed. But the only way to reliably get into low is to first shift into 2nd, clutch out, clutch in, shift over to L. Is there anyway to make this easier? I heard it may have to do with synchronization?

Also, the trans and transfer case may have very worn mounts and bushing, maybe that could affect it?

 

[DoubleDingo]

It's a 4 speed, 1st gear is granny low and not synchronized, similar to reverse not being synchronized. 2nd, 3rd and 4th are synchronized. Shifting into 1st/Low, you need to be at a standstill, just like when shifting into reverse.

 

[DoubleDingo]

The way you're shifting into 1st/Low is the correct way

 

[Keith Seymore]

3 speed manual with low gear hard to shift into low gear

Yep.

K

 

[AuroraGirl]

I said 2nd gear because my shift knob goes from top left to top right [L 2] and bottom left to bottom right [1 3 R] so I'm calling L separate from 1 since you don't use it in normal shift pattern. So it's normal for it to be hard to shift into?, Having to go into 2nd first? Reverse will let me in from any gear

 

[nvrenuf]

It is normal to be difficult to shift in to first (low).

 

[DoubleDingo]

I said 2nd gear because my shift knob goes from top left to top right [L 2] and bottom left to bottom right [1 3 R] so I'm calling L separate from 1 since you don't use it in normal shift pattern. So it's normal for it to be hard to shift into?, Having to go into 2nd first? Reverse will let me in from any gear

It's still a 4 speed. But yeah, 1st/Low is a stump puller gear, not meant to be shifted into while rolling, same as reverse, you can't get into gear while rolling. Well, maybe rolling very slowly backwards, but not otherwise.

 

[kickdeez]

What they all said. Low (1st, granny gear, whatever you want to call it) is a straight cut gear while 2, 3 and 4 are all syncronized gears. You must shift into 2, 3, or 4, and be at a stand still before shifting into low (or reverse).

 

[AuroraGirl]

All right. I thought it had to do with synchronization. So, shifting into l, would it be easier to shift into with giving it revs. The biggest issue is it physically doesnt let me shift into it. if Im in N, 1, or R. My most 3 used gears, I dont drive in the road. The only one I can get into L is with 2, which makes sense physically since its so close. But I have to do it 4+ times and be using a lot of force

 

[kickdeez]

Do not rev. RPMs will not help you here. This is the sequence I use: (all done at a complete standstill) Push the clutch in and shift into 2. Keep the clutch pushed in and try to shift into low. If it doesn’t immediately go into gear, keep a little pressure on the shifter, and take a little pressure off the clutch pedal. Should slide right into gear.

 

[kickdeez]

And just so we're on the same page here:

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This is the shift knob. It designates L-1-2-3-R. I use L and 1 as interchangeble terms for the 1st available gear. Then I call them 2-3-4-R

 

[DoubleDingo]

It does have to with synchronization or the lack thereof, as L/1 is not synchronized. Sounds like you may need to adjust the clutch too if it won't go into L/1 at all. But you're able to get it into reverse, so I have a feeling you're just trying to shift into L/1 to quickly and while rolling down the road. The way @kickdeez said to shift it will work, unless you clutch needs adjustment. And exactly what he said, do not rev the engine when trying to shift into L/1 or reverse.

Another thing you might do is drain the transmission gear oil and fill it with 90w mineral oil from Napa. You get it by the gallon for about $20-$30. If you're using the wrong gear oil it will affect how the synchro's react when shifting, and old school synchro's don't like modern gear oils. Another old school trick is to pour in some STP oil treatment to the transmission to help with smoother shifts.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I did the gear oil on the truck 2 years ago, it immensely helped. The truck called for gear oil? Is there a thread on using mineral oil? Should my differential and axles be treated the same?

It doesnt see the road and I always try to shift from a standstill. So sounds like holding pressure onto 2 and letting off the clutch wiill help it slide in? Ill try that.

I definitely think I need to adjust the clutch pedal, in 1st gear it doesnt really engage meaninfully till almost half way.
Low gear engages quickly, especially in 4lo, but that is for obvious reasons

 

[DoubleDingo]

The shop manual usually calls for a GL grade that we can't get nowadays. One option that is usually in there is mineral oil. I'd leave the gear oil alone unless you used the synthetic stuff, if you used the synthetic stuff I'd higly recommend a drain and fill with 90w mineral oil. Your differentials will be fine with the gear oil put in them, even synthetic.

No on the order of shifting. Press in the clutch, hold the clutch in, shift into 2nd, 3rd or even 4th while holding the clutch in, and then slowly shift into 1st/L.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I see. Thanks. Why not synthetic gear oil?