I recently purchased a 98 4x2 V6 with Manual Trans. I get a bit of a vibration in the Shifter when I am in 3rd and applying throttle. I have checked my U-Joints with truck in Neutral and can not feel any play (I will be pulling the drive shaft this weekend just to make sure) I have also checked the Trans mount and it doesn't seem to broken or torn. The engine seems to run fine (I don't notice a miss). I am not sure if 3rd gear is a 1 to 1 ratio with the rear end and possibly magnifying a problem in the rear end or a miss in the engine that is only noticeable in 3rd.

Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to give as much info as possible.

 

4th is 1 to 1. Mine buzzes slightly in all gears and the stick jumps around on rough roads. I dunno if this is exactly what's happening to you, but I believe this is normal.

 

Thanks for the reply.

This is more than a buzz. I get a buzz or slight rattle in most other gears. 3rd Gear is much more noticeable. Compared to the normal buzz I would call it a good rattle. This is on the streets city driving.

 

Hmm. That's a new one in my book. It could be the synchros, but that is just a guess.

On a side note, my stick moves around a lot when I'm driving... but it does the same thing in my Dakota, and I recall in my '99.

Still, the M5OD-R2 is a very smooth tranny to operate... probably the last of the good ones out there for trucks.

 

i dont know if it helps any but when i replaced my clutch you half to take off the stick and i unbolted it from the tranny and the bushings were gone that caused my stick to jump and move ALOT


Brice
1993 f150
4.9L I6
mazda 5 speed

 

Hmm what bushings are you referring to? The bushings for the shift rod? I may look into that.

I still haven't ruled out a U-joint going bad. It is possible that one is just starting to stick a bit and I wouldn't be able to detect it while the drive shaft is bolted up.

 

When my u-joints went bad, it didn't cause any rattle in the gearshift - they started squeaking and chirping and caused a bit of driveline shudder. I thought it was the clutches in my limited slip.

 

mine were totaly gone google Mazda tranny for a ford breakdowns click immages