Hard shifting-is there a fix?

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I'llshoU

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Hi, this is my first post,and I have only had my SHO for a week.Its a Black 89 SHO and it shifts like a log truck,Hard to hit second,I have to wait for the motor to wind down or it will grind.It feels TOO stiff,not smooth shifting at all.Is this common? How do I fix it? I want to be able to shift QUICK!!!
 

noSHO

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The synchronizers in your transmission could be bad and/or your clutch may not be fully disengaging (or is it engaging? I can never remember). Make sure your foot goes absolutely all the way down to the floor when you shift, and try giving it a rev in between gear changes. That should smooth things out a bit while you figure the exact source of the problem out.
 

Huntervf

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My 89 had 117k and a VERY bad clutch when I got it. Was virtually impossible to shift; it went right to the shop for a new clutch and things were much better. However, once the new clutch was installed I discovered my 2nd gear synchro was bad; it would go into 2nd ok but a quick 1-2 shift would always grind.

If it shifts ok at slower speed & slower shifts then I'd say some new synchros are in order. If it just generally shifts hard and is espically difficult to make a quick shift without grinding then perhaps a new clutch is in order as well. Keep in mind though that the SHO MTX is a notchy gearbox at best and quick, performance shifting is not something this car is good at.
 

heath94

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Sounds cluch related, but changing the tranny fluid has helped many with difficult shifting, My 94 included. Do a search for synchromesh as well many have had good results with it. It's easier to change than the clutch thumb a good place top start. The search too can help you find many answers for your new show. Been a great tool for me hail SHOFORUM
 

sdpatt

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It's ususally the wearable, brass blocking rings that allow the grinding on gearshifts. The synchros are much harder like the gears and the blocking rings have the job of matching the shaft rotational speed with the gear speed to let the synchro slide onto the gear hub.

No matter, this still requires the removal and service of the transaxle. A clutch and throwout bearing replacement would also be a principle effort in this fix. The new clutch, throwout bearing and new blocking rings should restore much of the original crispness to the shifting. Or at least as crisp as the SHO's transaxle is capable of. It will never allow "snick-snick" shifts like a good Getrag or Borg-Warner gearbox.
 

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