Toploader Probelms - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

EA90_S · 12-07-2003, 08:02

Hello guys got a problem with our toploader in our XC faclon 302
Its out of a XA 351 got it like that in 1980 and everytime u put it into reverse its really hard and u have to be slow. and when slowing down from like 30 it wont go into 2nd unless your driving at 5kmh. what could be the problem??

EBXR · 12-07-2003, 08:45

Get your linkages checked.

EXECJIM · 12-07-2003, 16:36

Clutch???

Racer · 12-07-2003, 17:49

If it grinds going into reverse, its the clutch. If its difficult to drop back to second, its most likely the synchros.

XWGT · 12-07-2003, 18:14

Well its basically the traits of a toploader....

You cannot go from 1st to Reverse in a toploader, without selecting another gear first
You cannot go from reverse to first without doing the same.
When selecting reverse, you have to press the gear lever down. When you shift out of reverse, instead of actually holding the shifter and moving it, you slap it with your hand. You will then notice it spring back and most importantly UP, as the locking spring releases.

There a bit tricky, but thats the main points.
As others have suggested, get your linkages tightened and aligned, and remember the rules, and all will be good :-)

12-08-2003, 02:46

well we just converted my xd falcon forom the C4 auto to a 4 spd top loader,
we got rid of the old shift kit which was udder crap and got a hurst indy shifter, havnt had any problems wots so ever and the changes now are incredible

thats just my 2 cents

clevo · 12-08-2003, 03:02

XWGT: I don't have those problems with both of my toploaders, one has a std shifter and the other an Indy Hurst Shifter, changes from 1st to reverse no probs. If the linkages are adjusted correctly you shouldn't have an issue.

Not changing to 2nd is a synchro issue, the box needs a rebuild.

brenx · 12-08-2003, 15:08

the 2nd gear issue sounds like your 2nd gear syncro is knackered.

Brenden

EA90_S · 12-09-2003, 03:15

i dunno if i should push down on it when changin to reverse coz we done it last time and the gearbox shit it self in the driveway and was stuck there lolz.

XC_GS_351 · 12-09-2003, 03:51

As others have said the 2nd gear crunch is usually a sign of synchro problems. You can always try changing the oil with something good quality like Castrol Syntrans to see if it helps. Might give you a bit more life out of it, but it will only be holding off the inevitable.