Sparks_88

Hi, Whenever I'm in 2nd the shifter shakes really fast like a vibration as if it wants to jump into neutral, however it only shakes when I'm accelerating and as soon as I get off the gas it stops shaking. Also it takes some effort to go into 2nd from both 1 or downshifting. All other gears work perfectly, is this a sign of it failing or is there a way to fix other than rebuilding?

Z28KLR

Can't speak to the issue of the shifter handle shaking other than to ask if that shaking translates into any sort of vibration that is felt in the car?

As far as difficulty moving the shifter in/out of 2nd, probably a worn synchronizer. It may be helpful to change the transmission fluid - it won't fix the problem but will likely minimize it and buy you some time before an actual mechanical repair becomes necessary. Your TR-3650 transmission uses EXACTLY 3.2 quarts of Mercon V automatic transmission fluid. Any brand with that specification will be fine, many people report good things with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF (which covers multiple atf formulations) or also Royal Purple Synchromax fluid.

Regarding the 3.2 quarts.... Common practice in filling transmissions, gear cases etc is to fill until it begins to overflow from the fill plug, then replace the plug. On these transmissions doing that will cause it to be slightly overfilled which leads to difficulty in shifting (Ford revised the fill spec shortly after beginning to use the 3650 back in 2001 for this reason). The "0.2" equals 6 oz in case math ain't your thing. For an easier way to fill, remove the shifter from the top of the transmission (4 bolts, super easy) and pour in the fluid from there.