What is it about 3rd gear in a W-C T5???

[YerDugliness]

Every time I read about someone having problems with their T5 it seems to have something to do with 3rd gear.

I'm not a trans mechanic...as near as I can I understand they work with smoke and mirrors...so I'm just curious.

I have one in my Cobra, have no issues with it right now, but then I'm using pretty much the stock drive-train from an '89 Mustang GT, which means that the trans was fairly well matched to the power output of the engine at the factory. The fact that the car weighs just over a ton is a good thing, too....keeps the stress on the trans down. I never sidestep the clutch, though, and never power-shift...best to err on the side of caution

Still, I'd like to keep the transmission in operable condition as long as I can, so any suggestions on how to keep 3rd gear from raising its ugly head will be greatly appreciated.

Any advice or illumination y'all can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Dugly

[sspano01]

my 3rd gear at above 4000 rpm under full power in a T56 is a little tricky. double clutching it seems to cure it, but that is hard to coordinate - well...at least for me.

i think root issue is the clutch not 100% disengaging, apparently 99.5% disengagement can still cause some hang up issue. double clutch it

[DougD]

You can prolong the life of 3rd gear by installing an aftermarket shifter that has a hard stop for the shift lever.

I have been road racing the T-5 in my Mustang since 1993. I don't beat on it, but I can't say that its life has been easy, either. I use synthetic ATF in it and have had no problems after all these years.

I think most who have problems are abusing it by drag racing or power shifting. Just my .02.