86BroncoII4x4w/5sp.can't shift into1st&2ndgear.Do I need a new trans? or canit just be fixed? What'sbest optn?

Question

I'm thinking about trading some tools for this 4x4. This is how he's described some of the problems with it:
"It is a 1986 Bronco II 4x4 with 5-speed with 165K
miles. The smog report is very clean, so the engine &
related systems seem to be sound. I've replaced O2
sensors, EGR, CAT over the years to pass smog, but the
engine is untouched.

The biggest problem is that I can't shift into first
or second. So, I've been using gears 3-4-5 in low
range for city driving and 3-4-5 in high range for
highway. The front hubs are automatic so I
disconnected the front drive shaft, so I can use low
and still be just rear wheel drive for use on
pavement. It's been like that for 18 months. I have
the drive shaft so if you got a used tranny you could
hook the front back up."

My other question is ...IS IT WORTH IT? Am I going to need a new clutch too? (from starting in 3rd gear?for the last 18 months?

Answer 1

Most likely you will want to replace the clutch why the transmission is out anyways--that could be the very cause why he could not get it into first gear--then later damaged the syncs from first to second. I'm guessing it shifts into reverse--if it does, then it is not a linkage problem--- my 89 Bronco was a top-loader transmission, so I guess yours is to--so there is no linkage to adjust. Your right on the boarder line of 20 years old--- so a lot of junk yards are getting ready to scrap any transmission for that year. Call a few junk yards--get their price and how long they will stand behind the transmission (30/90 days in most cases) figure out the cost of a clutch assembly with a flywheel resurface ($35-50) in most cases. and how much your time is worth ( I go by $25 per hour) and would figure between calling, running around for parts, and installing --about 8 hours (4 hours running around, 4 hours work) Then determine if it's worth it to you still.

Answer 2

I assume you checked the linkage to make sure they were in tact. Another thought is the synchronizers in the transmission itself.