Lost third gear

yesterday, my wife and I were travelling to CO to pick up an Opel. in Kansas, I could not shift into 3rd gear. we stopped for lunch in Topeka, and i took a look to see that there was no obstruction. There wasn't any. My thought at the time, was that I lost 3rd gear, and it would not get better until i fixed the tranny. So, we turned around and came home, as I know i cannot tow w/o 3rd gear. Plus, I was concerned that if one gear failed, another might too, and being stranded in the middle of Kansas is not my idea of fun.

So, when i got home, i did a search. It looks like it may just be the bushing in the shift lever. I hope so. Transmissions are expensive, and they are a lot of labor to remove.

I replaced the clutch last month, changed gear oil in trans and diff, engine oil and coolant new. 161K miles

What are your thoughts on this? I will keep you updated.

BTW-- engine ran great, I got 26 mpg with A/C on at 75-80 mph. Engine always ran in the normal temp range.

 

Pull the shifter out, chances are it's just the bushing as you mentioned. I purchased mine for the trans shifter & Tcase shifter from marlin crawler but your local toyota dealer should have them also.

 

got the shifter out- bushing disintegrated! Fusz Toyota has one. on my way to p/u.

 

replaced it. it did the trick!!! i have all 5 gears + R. YAY!! thanks for your help.

 

here are some pics-- new vs old.

 

Good, now get yer ass back to Kansas & pick up that Opel......


glad all is well, I love the simple fix, for me doesn't happen often...

 

TY-- am in Hays, KS will be in Co tomorrow. got 28 mpg at 70-75 mph,

 

Hays leg got 29 mpg!! made it to Erie and picked up the Kadett. towed it to Limon where i am staying the night. Tacoma tows like a champ.

 

here is the car and truck- Dave saying goodbye to the Kadett, Tacoma in CO,

 

Those old Opels hauled ass, looks restorable

 

Here are some pics of Kadett and Tacoma at home. Made it home by noon today. Washed the Kadett, took back the tow dolly, etc. Got 22.8 mpg on the last leg! Cruised mostly around 65 mph. Not too shabby!