Thread: TD5 R380 Lost 3rd Gear

Behind the cushions on the lounge...??

Seriously, that does sound a bit odd. All other gears okay?

Does not sound good.
can you engage 3rd gear when engine is off?
Maybe worn or damaged 3rd synchro or a selector rod issue.

Either way I would say will need to come out.
I recently lost all drive, and only ended up with 4th gear.
I have made the decision to get a fully recond box rather than try and rebuild atm.

Cheers
Craig

Awww... but such fun is to be had learning about the inside of your gearbox! I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to rebuild mine - even more so when it worked!

Yes, hopefully a selector issue only, but either way it would be a gearbox out job, I would think. I don't think there's much in the easily-accessible area on the top of the box that would give that symptom.

I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will be along shortly...

Originally Posted by TeamFA

Awww... but such fun is to be had learning about the inside of your gearbox! I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to rebuild mine - even more so when it worked!

Yes, hopefully a selector issue only, but either way it would be a gearbox out job, I would think. I don't think there's much in the easily-accessible area on the top of the box that would give that symptom.

I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will be along shortly...

Yeah, I have ordered an Ashcroft box and should be here in around 2 weeks, but will rebuild the old one given time, but will need to sort the correct tools etc. Gearboxes are not a thing I am confident with but with the right tools I am sure I can do it.
Having said that while I have the TC out I am contemplating changing the High Ratio gears out and replacing with 1.222 gears I have in another TC to make it nicer in 4th while towing on highway so I dont get tempted to use 5th again.

All other gears Ok. The selector feels like it's engaged, but no go, engine running or not. Just looking at the workshop manual now, hoping there’s enough access from the top without removal.

Originally Posted by dayswaste

All other gears Ok. The selector feels like it's engaged, but no go, engine running or not. Just looking at the workshop manual now, hoping there’s enough access from the top without removal.

No access to an R380 from the top. Sounds maybe like a selector issue or maybe synchro or something worse. To look internally the only option is to remove. It is possible to remove the trans case and then remove the extension house in situ, but much easier if out and on the bench.
Good luck as I feel your pain.

Thanks, doesn't sound promising. I started removing the interior for easier access and then guests arrived. I'm happy enough with the distraction as I'm not looking forward to resolving this issue. It might give me time to find this bench you're referring to.

Mine was a bit involved as I have a floor safe under the console so most of the wiring for that had to come out first. I took the passenger side seat out for easier access, then the mats and tunnel. Then tails shafts, exhaust, transfer case and mount, starter motor, slave cylinder then gearbox and mount.
It will depend on what workshop tools you have. A hoist would be handy but can be done on the floor. The biggest issue is you will need to jack up the front end to get the bell housing out from under the car. I used an engine crane in through the door. You can use a trans jack, but you will definately need to lift the car to get out if you do as there is not a lot of room.

Previous post should have read examine and strip on the bench.