Okay for those of you guys with a 5spd 3rd gen and those of you who know enough about 5spd trannys. Why is my 3rd gear so stubborn to go in. The darn thing kicks back every time I try to put her in, so I bounce it off once and then push it again and it goes in fine but still with a little resistance. Is this normal or should I look into fixing something. Thanks in advance.

 

Having been the owner of 4 Manual Transmission-Equipped Toyota vehicles (1 4Sp, 3 5Sp), I can certainly testify to their general smoothness of operation and Toyota's excellent selection of gear ratios and gear spacing.

To see if the problem lies with worn out gear oil, change your tranny and x-fer case fluids. Replace them with a good synthetic. If that helps, it proves the fluids were worn. This makes a huge difference in the performance of ALL manual transmmissions, not just Toyota's. If it doesn't make a difference, then it's possible the 3rd gear synchro is worn. I'm putting my money on worn gear oil. Those trannies are tough.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Z

 

Dr. Z, you don't think its the bushing/seat at the base of the shifter? That could be another route for you to take. There's a post a little further down about it. Its like a $8-30 min job according to the people who have done it, I need to do it soon. But they mostly had problems with first gear popping out.

Edit: Here I found the link to the article: http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/shifter/index.html

 

Good idea man. I've never had those problems with my trannies, so that didn't occur to me. Another good possibility though. I may have to take a look at mine someday to see if it's wearing.

Thanks for the info!

G

 

I've had this problem too. Its only with 3rd gear. Mine only gives me trouble when im trying to shift fast. I might have to try the gear oil.

 

SSBogger that's exactly what I'm experiancing, when I drive home from my girlfriend's house late and I'm in no hurry then t seems to go alot better it's when I'm trying to get up into 3rd fast for a traffice merge, beause that seems to be where the power is strongest(3rd, and 4th). I think it might be the oil like you were talking about Dr. Z, I just bought it and I'm not sure how long it's been. So I will try that route first, then I will take a look at the bushing. Small fixes first. Thanks alot guys.

SS you need to cancel your plans/job(or w/e it was) and come with us to Uwharrie.

 

I would change the fluid, then check the bushings. My dad's 96 is hard to shift into 3rd when its cold, I changed the fluid and it made it a little better. I didn't do any further investigating because he is due for a new clutch soon.

 

Tell me about it! Its a beach trip with some buddies.
Make sure you post back as to whether or not the fluid makes a difference.