It looks like the '97 I just got can drop out of 1st gear. Is this a common problem? Any reasonable fix for it? I'm not afraid to drop the tranny and poke around inside it. Or should I just keep my hand on the shifter in 1st?

jrohland

 

Sorry this is so late, but I am in the process of replacing my shifter seat and socket, because of similar symptoms.

http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=186539

My shifter seat looks about like the old one in the picture on that website, and I'll bet you will find yours in similar shape.

A new set can be had for $16 plus shipping from www.marlincrawler.com that is supposed to be better than stock.

 

You can try to shifter seat first. If that doesn't work, you have a problem in the transmission that will require rebuilding the trans. My 1990 4Runner used to do this exact same problem. The syncros in 1st wear out and allow the trans to pop out of gear on acceleration and deceleration.

 

Good advice DeathCougar. It's free to take the shift lever off, and it takes maybe 5 minutes. It will be obvious when you look in there!

 

awww. man... DC... that's some news I didn't want to hear (seeing as I just had the clutch replaced ...and I dont have a shop to do my own work in out here)

the shift lever seat and bushing were my first choice replacement as well, took about 1 hour tear down to cleanup... it helped in the play and most other gears as far as sloppy shifting, but Im guessing the synchros are out

 

I have ordered a seat and socket from Marlin Crawlers. If they ever show up, I will install them.

If that does not fix my problem I will decide if I want to go into the tranny to replace the spring locks and whatever else is worn out.

jrohland

 

Well in that case, its all unicorns and rainbows and ice cream