Hey,
I have an '87 runner (stick) that keeps popping out of 1st gear. I have to hold the stick in place while driving in first else it will suddenly pop out and scare the crap out of me. Has anyone had this problem? Anyone know how to fix it?

 

I used to have the same problem with my 89 2wd but it did it in 1st and 3rd. I never did figure it out before it got totaled but I did change the clutch and that didnt fix it. I was sold it was the syncros, but dont know about that.

 

My 81 toy did that, it started with just 1st , then it went on to effect 3rd also. It had two big bearings inside the tranny that went bad. Bought the bearings from the deaerlship(many years ago $100) and had a friend put them in. If that happens to be your problem I would search for a used tranny.

 

What about lifting the gear box out and trying to fix it that way? I'm trying to save some money and do it myself? Do you know what's causing it?

 

Most common cause for this is a worn shifter bushing. New bushing is available at the dealer (p/n 33548-31010) for cheap and it is an easy fix. I'd start there.

 

read this thread I would do what toy283 said first, I forgot about that.

My problem still popped out of gear while holding the shifter forward, something would pop out inside tranny.