Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5speed lost reverse and 5th at 240k miles

[Sean Flanagan]

Ok, it was bound to happen. My truck now has almost 240k miles and has been bombed to 1050ft-lbs for over 200k miles. I was pulling my Trailer up Mt Vernon Canyon, west of Denver, when it started with a rumble, then a grind, then pop, no more 5th gear. I continued the journey in 4th and when I pulled into a parking lot near Aspen, I could no longer get the transmission into REVERSE! or 5th. That made for some interesting maneuvering to get going again, let alone get the trailer parked for camping.



Anyway, does this sound like the 5th gear nut thing? or is it something more serious.



Thanks for any input.

 

[340Mark]

When I lost 5th the splines were so loose under the gear it jammed and broke a few teeth off! I suppose a few teeth could jam the shift arm for reverse. Sorry to be a pessimist but it sounds like more than the nut.

 

[Supermod56]

More than likely it backed off the nut, amazing it lasted that long. With that many miles on it, I would rebuild it with the fully-splined mainshaft. Might as well if you're gonna have it out!



Tom