I seem to be having the same problem as studerrm mentioned...slight grind when shifting into reverse but only at initial start up. After driving for a while, shutting down, starting up ,and shifting into reverse there is no grinding. In addition, it is slow to engage first gear...seems to be a two or three second delay before the stick is allowed to engage. Other gears engage without just fine. Just bought this 97, 4.2, 5 speed a few weeks ago w/ 57k miles and know that it was used to tow a ski boat. Clutch fluid level is good. Should I flush transmission? Am prepared to change clutch myself if necessary but hoping not to have to. Would appreciate any advice.

 

Fatlip, studerrm here. Not sure if it wiil help but saw on other messeges about using a synthetic fluid and it helped. Sounded like they were talking about manual tranny's, something too look into. Try waiting the 2-3 seconds before putting into first gear. Good luck and drive easy!

 

Just posted on the other one, but do a search under 'synchros' in the tranny forum - sounds like the problem that i used to have with my 5gear.

Bambino

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Bambino Online
Owners Gallery Truck #179
1999 reg cab/short box/ORP/Silver on Dk Graphite - 3.55; 4.6l 5sp; factory snapless tonneau; kicker amp'd sub tubes; rockford fosgate components up front; Custom Exhaust; Mobil 1 5w30/Motorcraft FL820-S; Amsoil Series 2k in the diffs.

 

Try clearing the gears by putting it into second and then reverse, do the same before putting it into first.

 

Ford manuals have a safty mechinism built into them so you dont go from the higher gears into reverse. if you where in 3rd or hiher you usually have to let the engine idle with the tranny in nuetral for a little be for it will ingage easily. It could be the synchros butif you rarely use reverse i doubt thats it.