Shifter trouble. Help
 

I have a 95 GT 5.0 5 spd. It has the stock shifter, and absolutely refuses to go into 1st gear without going into 2nd first. If you are at a stop, its 50/50 shot if youll get it into 1st at all. If it does happen to go into 1st at anytime, its usually a grind or hard click going in. I have ordered a pro 5.0 shifter. Should this solve the problem?

Sounds more like syncros then a shifter problem.

So what is that? What recommendations do you have?

Okay, I did some investigating on my own and found out what this is. You're right, this sounds much more like my problem, and the short shifter can enhance the trouble if I don't get the syncros fixed first. Maybe not so much with 1st gear, but regardless. Thanks for the help!!

The syncros help speed up or slow down the other gears inside so you can smoothly shift the car. Its pretty common for the syncros to go bad in the T-45 tranny that is in that car and because of its age and who knows how other people drove the car. I don't know what your plans are for this car, but now might be the time for a better tranny.

What better tranny do you speak of? I talked to a guy I have used for transmission work before. He said, based on my description, that he does not think it is the syncros, but rather the forward shifter being bent. He said to see what the new pro 5.0 does and bring it to him after I install it, as neither he nor I expect that to fix it, but I'll be happy to have the new shifter anyway.

The shift fork is what he is talking about? its possible no way to really know without taking a tranny apart.

But that tranny is not rated for much power and there are better units out there. I just don't know if you plan to keep the car or make a lot more power or what your gonna do with it. I mean if its just a toy that will get some bolt on's, then yeah I would not toss in a beefy unit. But if you plan to keep it and mod it to hell then I would spend the money on a stronger tranny.

There are many different aftermarket units out there, and many have different uses for them such as road racing,drag racing,street/strip etc..

Its a daily driver pretty much. Its my first mustang. I want it to have some take off power to play with, but as far as any racing or anything, no, I cant afford the toys (mods) it takes to do that right now. You are probably right about it being the shift fork. My mistake. I appreciate your replies and help. It is greatly appreciated.

wether its the shift fork or the synchros is a moot point. either way the tranny needs to be taken apart and fixed. you can take it to get refurbished. if you can afford a new clutch and flywheel while you are doing this, i recommend that too.

I think the clutch and flywheel are fairly new, but am not certain. I do have a clutch, flywheel and throwout bearing that came with the car and have just over 200 miles on them, though. They came out of a car that was coverted to an auto. I agree aboutt he moot point, and am taking it in for whatever it takes. I am driving the car 200 miles a day, and it's very aggravating to not have a 1 st gear, not to mention the fact that I am afraid I'm going to do more damage, even as easy as I try to be with it.

It does sound like the blocker ring is worn out.(The actual friction part of the synchronizer) I've rebuilt a few T5's and the longer it goes like that,(grinding) the more wear occurs on the teeth of the gear itself. Putting it in 2nd slows the shaft speed closer to what 1st needs it to be to go into gear. Blocker rings and synchros are basic rebuild parts and are fairly cheap. Major pieces like gears ,and especially the cluster shaft, tend to get pricey. If you don't plan on making a lot of power and beating on it, then stick with the stock T5. Otherwise I'd get a T5 with G force internals or a Tremec TR3550 TKO. Or a T56 if you want six gears. But, either of these is much more expensive than just fixing it now at a shop that won't rape you.

Thanks jameslf. I dont plan to add a lot of power, just drive it and play every once in a while. But I do appreciate the rec's for if I do decide to later. I've used this tranny guy before on a few jobs and he is awesome. Knowledge and price-wise. Just slow is my only complaint. Thanks much!