The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I have been finding time to attend to all of the little things that need fixing on my 70 Challenger 340 A66 4-speed.

The transmission has always popped out of 2nd gear on deceleration. Took the trans to a shop when I was a kid and had the bearings replaced but that did not solve the problem. They also replaced the shifting fork for those gear sets.

I think the linkage is adjusted properly. I inserted a 1/4" dowel in the slot on the base of the plates, and tuned in the shift rods to the proper length. At least I think so.

Does anyone have you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jon

I have a similar problem (although mine is more during acceleration) with the second gear.
From what I've heard and read, this might me related to the synchros.

What you should really do is ask Jamie Passon from Passon Performance, he knows more about A833s than most everyone here (if not all). That's his only job, after all. http://www.passonperformance.com/

You can also check out http://www.brewersperformance.com

Nice sources for manual transmission parts and information.
Mr. Passon suggested it may be a bad 2nd gear or the 1-2 synchronizer.

I don't feel like pulling the tranny just now so I will live with it until some thing else down there needs repair.

Thanks

Jon

The problem you are having is related to the syncho brass rings.
Over the years, these will wear on the teeth, and the transmission will at times pop out of gear. This can happen with any gear.
Save your dimes, and have the transmission rebuilt with a bearing, gasket and synchro ring kit.
Do it right once or wrong many times.
transman

Thanks Transman.

Sound like you may be in the business of transmission repair?

When I had it "repaired" by a reputable shop the first time, I was also in the process of rebuilting the engine and didn't get everything back together for a year or so. Once notified of the faulty repair they required the transmission be brought back in for inspection. I didn't feel like pulling the tranny out again so that they could "repair" it again and again and......

That is why I try to do my own work. I can only blame myself if the results are not favorable.

Is this a difficult task replacing the parts you mentioned or is it basically remove and replace?

Thanks,

Jon

Yes I do work in the transmission industry Jon. I'm not a transmission builder, but rather work for a large transmission/torque converter supplier.
What I know about standard transmissions is limited,k but I have many contacts in shops that specialize in automatic and standard transmissions.
Short of a bearing press, and maybe a bearing puller, I think that the average specialty car owner has the tools to do the job you are thinking of doing. How good your mechanical skills are, only you know.
What I have seen/heard while calling on shops, is a reluctance on the car owner to let the shop do what is required to get the job done properly. Too many times, the cost governs the quality of the work you get. This is not a knock on you or anyone else Jon, as I've done it myself. I let a couple of bucks get in the way of having my differential done properly and it ended up costing more than if I had let the first shop do the job properly.
If you feel comfortable with wrenches and feel that you have the knowledge/skill to do the job yourself, then "just do it". If not, spend some time looking for a qualified repair shop and have them do it. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the shop. In todays' automotive market, I look for a shop that shows the diplomas and training schools their mechanics have attended, the general look of the shop (typically a dark dungy dump will reflect their workmanship), if they belong to an association associated with their industry, and last but not least "how long have they been in business.
Have fun and take care.
transman

I didn't mean to knock to auto repair industry. I just have had a few bad experiences as of late. Probably need to check more thoughly in the future.

I enjoy seeing how things tick so I will give it a try when the time comes.

Thanks for the advice.

Jon