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View Full Version : Transmission question, ball roller


Stingray1967
07-04-2021, 04:07 PM
Hey guys,
I am noticing a slight difficulty shifting from 2 to 3 every once in a while. It seems to be the same issue that ZFDoc has on his website. Excerpt below:

Q) On my car I can power shift 2nd and 4th, but I'm having problems with 3rd. During normal driving going to 3rd does not feel as smooth as going to 4th or 5th. Sometimes I don't even feel like it went into gear. The shifter grabs third gear, but it feels like it is half way there, like it has an additional 1/8" of travel left to go, not like all the others gears where you feel the shifter securely engaging the gear. Third grabs, but you feel like the shifter did not go in all the way.

A) There may be an issue with linkage that is slowing down the actuation of the 3rd gear shift event. How is the "return to center" spring action of the shifter feel? This is how well the shifter springs back to the 3/4 neutral position when released from the 1/2 neutral position or the 5/6 neutral position. The return to center action should be quick and crisp. This return to center action is initiated by the mountain detent of the shift shaft (internal) and the ball detent (roller) and two springs located just forward of the CAGS bung. If the ball detent gets crud in it, the return to center action becomes diminished. This condition is of the easiest to correct. It requires a new Ball Roller($15), 2 Compression Springs($5) and less than 5 minutes to install once access under the vehicle is gained.



I'm inclined to start with a fluid change. I have three quarts of the AC Delco 1052391 5W30 in hand and I have a lift to easily get under the car.

Should I just go ahead and order that from ZFDOC? Anyone else run into this?

tccrab
07-04-2021, 09:48 PM
You may have difficulties getting the drain plug out.
It's in a really tight spot and a regular allen wrench wont fit on it.
You will want a spare plug in the outside chance yours gets buggered up. I may have a spare if should need one.
There is a section in the Tech Tips section that may save you some time and frustration.
'Crabs

Dynomite
07-05-2021, 05:47 PM
Remove FILL plug first.
you can always switch plugs later.

Removing Transmission Plugs TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=234182)

Stingray1967
07-06-2021, 10:33 AM
Thanks guys, I have a set of the "bits" for getting that plug out. I had the car in the air the other day and put the bit in place by itself and it fits great.