Toploader Grinding

[DOORGUY]

I'm running a 4 speed toploader behind a Centerforce dual friction clutch with a Tilton HTOB. 1st to 2nd shifts fine but 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th always grinds a bit before going into gear. I also have the same issues when downshifting but to a worse degree.
Does this sound like an adjustment needs to be made to the HTOB? If so why don't I have the issue in 1st and 2nd? Or does this sound like an issue with synchronizers in the trans or another internal trans issue?

[1795]

I am no expert, but I would not think that it is the HTOB. Sounds more like synchros, or possibly the shift linkage may need adjustment. Check for binding and make sure that the linkage for 3rd and fourth is properly adjusted. It could also be related to the bell housing not being properly aligned as well. Just some thoughts.

[Ron61]

I have that same setup in my car and I also had almost the same problem once. I had to adjust the shift linkage as it had gotten just a very little out of adjustment. That stopped the hard to get into gear and the small amount of grinding and I have checked it from time to time since then and never had a problem. It could be the synchros but they would normally cause more noise when downshifting.

Ron

[DanEC]

I will offer that if you can shift into reverse without grinding, then your throw out bearing adjustment is probably OK as it's the most sensitive due to lack of a syncro ring. Unfortunately, for the other gears I would suspect worn sycros/sliders/gears/forks internally. But I would do all the easy stuff first like linkage adjustment just to eliminate them first.

[DOORGUY]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Does anybody know where I can find the bolts with the pressed on black/brown plastic/nylon grommets that go on the bottom of the shifter levers?

[DanEC]

Is it a Ford shifter or a Hurst? I can't place the bolts from your description but I have a Hurst.

If you are asking about the shift linkage bushings on a Hurst, I would skip the nylon bushings and get a set of steel bushings from Summit or Jegs.

[1795]

If it is a Hurst linkage, I would concur with Dan and suggest ash you use the steel bushings and spring clips instead of the stock nylon bushings. The nylon ones can wear out and then the linkage gets sloppy and can cause difficulties with gear engagement.

Jim

[cycleguy55]

Every speed shop will carry these:

Hurst Pit Pack Shifter Bushings, Buttons, and Clips


p/n 3327302

[MaSnaka]

My toploader would grind downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. It was the synchros worn out. After they were replaced it downshifted fine. You could see the chisel points were worn flat. But I had no problem upshifting 1-4. I was told before going into reverse to always put it in 1st gear first to avoid the grind.

The fact you are grinding while you upshift I think it could be something other than worn synchros as others have suggested.

John

[Gaz64]

Grinding either way, up or down, is generally worn synchro cones.

The teeth tips wearing flat is from shifts where the cone could not grip the gear before the hub was forced over.

From stationary, the difference in speed when selecting 1st from neutral is greater than the difference in speeds while moving.

So if selecting 1st gear is ok, but 2nd or 3rd is difficult shift, grinding etc, it is not the clutch or gearshift linkage.

Gary