T56 shifting

[paint2361]

Need input. My GTO t56 is hard to get into reverse. It gets pass the gate fine but its hard to push it up into the syncros. If the car rolls back it goes right in. Is this a common issue with t56's. Mine has about 35K miles on it.

[carguy502]

Is it in a late model GTO? If not, is the reverse lockout solenoid hooked up and functioning? It sounds like you are pushing this shifter into reverse, forcing past the spring loaded solenoid.

Don

[paint2361]

its in a 67 firebird. The solenoid keeps the shifter from going right into the gate. Mine is hooked up. The shifter gets pass the gate when I press on the brake but It hard to push it UP into reverse.

[carguy502]

Assuming the solenoid allows you to enter the reverse gate, that is functioning properly. Not knowing more about the T56, I am remis to diagnose this issue, but I could imagine it could be a bent shift fork, sufficient bearing wear that could cause a misalignment and difficult shifting (unlikely as your trans is only 35k old), or nothing may be wrong. My T56 will occasionally not go into reverse without a wee bit of roll.

Good Luck and i hope someone much wiser than me chimes in.

Don

[paint2361]

thx for the help. the trans is bone stock. I think ill have to live with it. the rest of the gears work perfect. I hate to do all the work and pay the $$ just b/c of the reverse...

[PhillipM]

Try throwing it in 4th gear right before you go into reverse. See if that doesn't make it easier.

[paint2361]

Well.... I just lost reverse gear. It goes in very hard with a loud clunk. Any one know of a good repair shop in So Cal?