1997 Cobra Transmission Issues

[WebDevCobra97]

Probably needs a rebuild but I had issue getting into 4th without grinding. Couple months later I stop at a light and try to take it out of 4th, after forcing (lots of force) it out of 4th I continue my drive home. Almost home, I cannot get into 4th or 3rd except after a couple of tries I was able to limp home in 3rd. With the car sitting or started, with or without the clutch engaged, I can not shift into 5th or reverse. My shifter does not even reach right to make a shift into 5th or R.

Stock T45 with 93k, previous owner "said" he put in a stage 2 comp clutch, rest of the car is stock.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[Shake&Bake]

What's the clutch pedal feel like? Sounds like it could be the clutch cable.

 

[BABVenom98]

That does not sound like a clutch cable, especially if it's grinding and hard to get into gear and won't go into 5th or R . I bet your 5th and reverse linkage broke, it's common with these T45's.

 

[USMC53CHIEF]

My 5th gear commonly grinds, and Im very conscious of it when im shifting into 5th and really take my time with it, yet 75% of the time it grinds....along with the tranny jumping out of 1st and reverse sometimes.....ive always been pointed in the direction of syncros.. dunno if it helps but that's my experience.

 

[luke87gt]

First make sure that the clutch is grabbing at least 2" off the floor to ensure that it is not the clutch adjustment.

If that's a check, then your transmission needs a rebuild... simple as that.

These types of issues with the T45 are as common as night and day.

I'm going through a problem with 2nd gear grinding now myself.

 

[WebDevCobra97]

Yeah, my clutch grabs fine. It is just funny how I cannot even move the shifter all the way over to the right to even begin to get into 5th or R. I think I might take the shifter off and see if a bushing might of broken but it sounds like this transmission is probably done for...*sigh* Wonder if I can get away with spending ~1k for transmission plus install.

 

[encasedmetal]

Yeah, my clutch grabs fine. It is just funny how I cannot even move the shifter all the way over to the right to even begin to get into 5th or R. I think I might take the shifter off and see if a bushing might of broken but it sounds like this transmission is probably done for...*sigh* Wonder if I can get away with spending ~1k for transmission plus install.

call zak at thet45source.com , tell him zach told you to and you'd be surprised at what you can get done for less than you thought you would spend/budgeted

 

[WebDevCobra97]

Will do. I will check it out after work. Company has the site blocked but an old Mustang buddy of mine has that same site in his signature. I have a pro 5.0 shifter for it too just needs to be put on after the rebuild to keep the transmission a happy transmission.

 

[cobra 97]

man i had the same prob with my 97 cobra..it kept popping out and grinding into 4th i needed a rebuild....

 

[cotchnobra]

It sound like you have a busted syncro shift key. when they break they can get stuck and cause the trans to get stuck in a gear. quite possibly you could have also a bent linkage and or shit fork. At the very least you will need a 3-4 syncro and shift key. Won't know for sure till it gets opened up.

 

[98 N/A 4V]

call zak at thet45source.com , tell him zach told you to and you'd be surprised at what you can get done for less than you thought you would spend/budgeted

This. Zak is the shizit when it comes to T45's.

 

[DVJ38]

My transmission is with Zak Harty with thet45source as we speak. Great communication and great prices. Great turn around time and a nice guy to deal with.

 

[WutApex]

Checked out his site (and others, e.g. Hanlon, Promotion, Keisler)

Are these upgrades worthwhile for a car that will do more open-track events rather that drag strip?

Will it make it more difficult to shift/downshift, etc

Would it be wise to pair a built trans with a softer clutch in my particular case?

OP - sorry for the thread hijack...

 

[DVJ38]

Checked out his site (and others, e.g. Hanlon, Promotion, Keisler)

Are these upgrades worthwhile for a car that will do more open-track events rather that drag strip?

Will it make it more difficult to shift/downshift, etc

Would it be wise to pair a built trans with a softer clutch in my particular case?

OP - sorry for the thread hijack...

I would honestly call Zak from thet45source.com and see what he has to say. I think it's always best for the transmission if a softer clutch is used though. I'd stick with an organic disk. I'm using a stock 03 cobra clutch and they can handle more than enough power and are not harsh engaging.

 

[WebDevCobra97]

Sorry for late reply. I got some quotes from the company probably going to have a shop do the shipping and install. Asking a couple of people how their transmission are after the t45source got ahold of them.