82 4x4 pickup manual 5 speed transmission. Transmission shifts fine 1st,2nd,3rd,4th and reverse. But when I shift into 5th and let go of the clutch it makes a howling (grinding) sound. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

 

Bad synchros?

 

Common. 5th gear is on a separate shaft, kinda beside the 2 main gear shafts. One end is supported in the housing in sturdy bearing, the other end is sort of supported by a finger sticking up, not really solid or durable. The retaining support (I forget the correct name for it) weakens over time plus the end bearing wears, and when in 5th the load on the gear and shaft is all side loading, so the retaining support flexes and the thing grinds. If you are lucky you can just get a 5th gear shaft and bearing and retainer. But really, if it needs that then it should just be totally rebuilt.

Incidently, 4th gear is straight thru - input shaft to output shaft - so ALWAYS use 4th when you want to load it up - like downshift to 4th when pulling hills or passing, or when hauling or towing, etc, and it will really extend the life of your transmission. Engine too for that matter...

 

Or it could be as simple as the shifter seat or end bushing being worn out - in other words not going all the way into gear.