1984 Mustang T5 no longer shifts to 5th or Reverse

70notop · 03-08-2009

I am the proud new owner of a 1984 NON-WC T5 that will not go into 5th or reverse. When I first open this thing up what should I be looking for? Is this a common, somewhat common, or never happens problem? I only paid $50 bucks for the thing so any really bad news won't hurt too much.

Thanks for any help.

Bopper · 03-09-2009

I would start simple, change the tranny fluid, I would bet you get a drop or 2 out of it.

70notop · 03-09-2009

I am confused. How would draining th fluid make it shift any better? Something about the fluid I am looking for?

Bopper · 03-09-2009

I was simply saying you should make sure it has some fluid in it, at least the amount it is supposed to have. A tell tale on a car I used to have was that when it got hard to get it into 5th, the fluid was low. My advise has nothing specific to do with the type of car you have, just an experience I had with an old car.

66restomod · 03-10-2009

Not 100% on this, but the 5th gear ratio and reverse should be 1:1, the syncros should be tied together. Almost every automatic iv'e seen that loses reverse will also lose the overdrive gear(5th). I'd take it in and have it rebuilt, or if you have got the means you can rebuild it yourself.

FordStyle · 03-10-2009

look for something inside where the shifter goes into the hole ive seen something as simple as a rubber bushing make this kind of problem

70notop · 06-29-2009

I finally took the tranny to a T5 specialist who, for $50, would open it up and give me a prognosis. Well even before he had the cover off he saw the problem. Seems the last owner, in trying to most likely fill the tranny, removed the exact wrong bolt. This bolt, NOT THE FILL PLUG, was the 5th/rev fork pivot pin bolt. So the fork was just flopping arround in there. $73.28 later it was inspected, found to be almost new and shinny, resealed, and he even installed my short shifter for me.

So if anyone needs T5 or most any motor/drivetrain help and is north of San Francisco see John at Sears Point Raceway, sorry Infinion Raceway.

Cerini Motor Sports

29115 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476 map
district: Sonoma

Tel. +1 707.938.3979