While in traffic last night, it wouldn't go into gear. I thought it went into first, the car revved up high & when it finally went into first I heard a loud grinding sound & after that it started grinding like crazy but only going into first gear. All other gears appear to be ok & no problems at all while cruising in 3rd 4th 5th or 6th gear. But every time I start off, it grinds into first gear & I also hear a spinning sound until the second it finally catches first gear. Haven't had any problems prior, so I'm thinking something broke but not sure what. Any info would be great. Thanks! If perhaps the tranny needs to be rebuilt, anyone know of any reliable NON rip off places in the NJ area?

 

sounds like a synchronizer to me but don't take my word for it.

 

Synchro sounds likely to me, but you really can't tell until you tear it down.

When my T56 needed a rebuild, I removed it myself and shipped it to Six Speeds Inc in Texas. They were fast and affordable -- as I recall, I spent $1200 including shipping. I used it as an excuse to buy a hydraulic tranny/rear-end jack, too.

It's unlikely that you'll find a local shop that will do it for less than that.

 

Thanks for the replies. So you think the whole transmission needs to be rebuilt if it is the synchro?

 

Not if it's one synchro. But why tear into it if you're not going to replace other stuff? The stock synchros are crap. The 3-4 shift fork is another weak point. The stocker is aluminum, most replace it with a steel one.

If you're up to the task of tearing your T56 apart, you will need at least a hydraulic press and a special gear puller. Here is the T56 manual for reference:

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#t56

Unfortunately, Six Speeds Inc is out of business now, but there are still other companies that do rebuilds. D&D Performance and Late Model Racecraft are a couple.