Hard shifting into 2nd

[jla_ksu]

Hi All,

I have a 1971 with a four speed manual transmission and am having a hard time shifting it into second when I slow down from 3rd.
It seems like I have to be going fairly slow for it to go in without much effort.
Not that I mind, but it is hard to turn a corner and shift at the same time. When I am going slow it is no problem, but I am not sure if I need to adjust anything or just live with it.
Also, should I be starting in first or second?

Jeff

[granitestate68]

Hi, I have a 68 with 3 on the column. When downshifting from 3rd to 2nd I have to double clutch and it HAS to be under 20mph to shift. Give it a try. Just my and the factory owners manual

[jor]

It sounds as though you are using second in a way for which it is not designed. Second on your four speed is the gear usually reserved for moving from a stop. It is synchronized but I can't imagine downshifting to it to go around a corner unless you are going dead slow. Third gear is just right for most situations. Anyone trying to shift into second at any speed would experience the same problem you are with the hard shifting. What do you think? Does this sound reasonable to you?
jor

[heep70]

jor is right.

[jla_ksu]

Thanks for the information.
It seems like I bog down the engine in 3rd when I turn a corner going slow.
I am glad that it is nothing wrong with the transmission. I will have to keep in in 3rd when I am moving.

Thanks,

Jeff

[willowbilly3]

I find that third will pull away fine at 15 mph, 10 if you aren't trying to race a train or something. Your synchronizer rings are probably getting worn some with age too and that makes shifting harder. In my 300-6 with 3.73 rear end I can idle in third gear and still roll on if it isn't uphill too much. I even take off in third sometimes if it is down hill any at all. My 390 has a 3.73 also but I haven't driven it as much so I can't say. Generally the 6 bangers will lug down further due to having more rotating mass in the engine.