I know the machs are notorious for the second gear grind, now mine is starting to do it in second gear when she's cold and hasn't been driven overnite or whatever. I'm really hoping that a change in tranny fluid will fix the issue. If not, I guess I will have to store her for the winter and save for the TSB fix and do that next year. I do not want to ruin the tranny.

 

Hrrmm.. it's not necessarily the mach's that are notorious for that, it's the stocker 3650's that are notorious for throwing the synchro's in 2nd gear. You can get synchro repair kits for pretty cheap both from MMS and JEGS that should save you at least a little cash. Though if you can't do it yourself the labor is what's going to be killer on the pocketbook. But yeah, I would say your best option is to store her up till you can afford the synchro fix and drive your DD if you have one. Once the synchro completely breaks you'll start shearing teeth off the gears and then it's ****-the-bed time for the tranny. Don't get too down brudda, it's an easy fix just might take a little time to accomplish if money's tight. ;-)

 

Just an added note...my 3rd synchro is going, fellow macher USMCrebel told me a good option is a billet upgrade kit. Haven't had it done yet so I'm not sure about the financial side of it. I know I have it a little better because a 2/4 shifts are very attainable, but you may be able to drive it by finding the rpm level that allows the gears to mesh. good luck bro, I'm feelin your pain.

 

That's what I am afraid of. We dont have the money to fix it right now, nor is that something we can do on our own. But, it also only happens when the tranny is cold and hasnt been driven. Not an issue when its warmed up.

 

This is a stupid question I'm sure but...

When the synchros go back, do you hear the grinding only while shifting or is it when your cruising?

 

Just don't drive it hard when it is cold. My tranny seems really notchy when it is cold but when it warms up it is fine.

Only when shifting.

 

I've decided to change the tranny fluid and see if that helps. 1 quart RP syncromax and 2 quarts Valvoline ATF Dextron III fluid. We'll see if it helps any.