Clutch Issue

[ctm78]

My 94 MTX is having some type of tranny issue. . .I've been told a bunch of different things. Here are the symptoms:
* Very difficult to put the car into gear, takes some pretty good force to push/pull the shifter into gear.
* I cannot shift into reverse anymore with the engine running without reverse grind. . .even if I go into a forward gear first.
* Without the engine running, it is easy to shift gears.
* There is no regular grinding. (Sometimes when the engine is cold, there will be a light grind when downshifting at a stop.)
* 127K miles, I've had her since 92K. (She has a trailer hitch, so I find it hard to believe this is the original clutch.)

First I thought the synchros may be going, along with the TOB. Today I talked to Performance Plus (they're great. . .highly recommend) and they suggested that it may be as simple as the clutch not fully engaging? (Which would be much better since rumor has it that synchros aren't available anymore.)

Any ideas or thoughts? Anything else I should test to zero in on the problem? Could this be as simple as adjusting the clutch cable? (I do the manual pedal pull occassionally, never more than one click.)

 

[Dr_Thompson]

sounds to me like a clutch issue. I had some of the same symptoms when mine went. Hard to shift in gear, light grinding, and could shift easily when off. My problem was the clutch wasnt engaging correctly so might be yours too. Im no expert but thats my guess.Did you check for the simple stuff, enough tranny fluid, no fluid leaking from tranny??

 

[ctm78]

What did you end up having to do to correct this problem? Full clutch replacement? TOB? Cable adjustment?

Good to start hearing that it "may" not be the full tranny needing to be done.

 

[Dr_Thompson]

i ended up having to replace the entire clutch. I got a defective clutch and the rivets had busted, hence the clutch not engaging anymore. Either way its gonna be a pain to fix, clutch or tranny. A used tranny can be found for around 300ish, ive got a used one in right now and she shifts beautifuly. A new clutch kit is gonna cost you around 300 as well and hopefully you know how to do the labor thats envolved. Im not sure exactly how you would diagnose wether its the clutch or tranny while its all still in the car. Im sure someone will post how to if you can. You said you tried adjusting the cable correct?

 

[TYSHO]

Sounds like a clutch issue, definately. Just buy a clutch kit, it'll save time and trouble. A Ford stamped clutch kit w/lifetime warranty can be had at Autozone for $264.99, part # NU0122RK. It includes; clutch disc, pressure plate, PP bolts, TOB w/quill sleeve, and alignment tool.

SHOnut also provides a clutch video that is great for a newbie, at this job, on the SHO.

Don't grind the gears as the repair can increase greatly in price.

 

[autobahnsho]

Sounds like a clutch issue, definately. Just buy a clutch kit, it'll save time and trouble. A Ford stamped clutch kit w/lifetime warranty can be had at Autozone for $264.99, part # NU0122RK. It includes; clutch disc, pressure plate, PP bolts, TOB w/quill sleeve, and alignment tool.

SHOnut also provides a clutch video that is great for a newbie, at this job, on the SHO.

Don't grind the gears as the repair can increase greatly in price.

I agree.
Save up some free time, cuz the job always finds ways to get complicated.
You'll also supposed to get new nuts for the axles, new pinch bolts/nuts for the struts/knuckles.

I'd DEFINITELY recommend getting the bolts/nuts for the subframe bushings, some extra exhaust studs (they might break on removal) and if you can afford it, new subframe bushings really spice up your handling.

 

[91 SHOplus]

I agree with the others. Why replace the TOB or PP only? Just get the kit, and a rear main seal as well.