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Does a 2002 M6 have stronger shift forks than older models have?

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Old Aug 9, 2003 | 08:35 AM
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ChrisLS1Bird's Avatar
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Does a 2002 M6 have stronger shift forks than older models have?

Hey guys, I have a question. Were the shift forks in the '02 T56 LS1 cars upgraded/stronger than the shift forks in the earlier T56 LS1 cars? I found this technical service bulletin which seems to allude to a revision:

Bulletin No.: 01-07-29-003A

Date: May, 2001

Subject: Transmission Jumps Out of 3rd Gear (Replace Shift Fork, 3-4 Synchronizer Assembly, 3rd Gear Blocker Ring and 3rd Speed Gear)

Models:

1999-2000 Chevrolet Camaro
1999-2000 Pontiac Firebird
with Manual Transmission (RPO MM6)

This bulletin is being revised due to a change in part numbers. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-29-003 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).

Condition: Some owners may comment that the transmission jumps out of 3rd gear.

Cause: Condition may be caused by inadequate travel of the 3-4 synchronizer assembly due to the 3-4 shift fork being out of specification or bent.

Correction

Notice : Please review the appropriate section of the Transmission Unit Repair Manual for correct disassembly and assembly instructions. When performing this bulletin, ALL parts listed need to be replaced. The condition originally occurs because of the 3-4 shift fork being out of specification or bent. This eventually results in damage to the synchronizer assembly, the blocker ring and the speed gear. Replace the 3-4 synchronizer assembly, the 3rd gear blocker ring, the 3rd speed gear and the 3-4 shift fork.
That 3-4 shift fork sounds problematic. Did Tremec go ahead and start putting better stuff (i.e. steel shift forks) in the T56 for 2001+ models?
Old Aug 9, 2003 | 10:54 PM
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TTT

?
Old Aug 10, 2003 | 12:43 AM
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AL SS590 M6's Avatar
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As far as I know the 3-4 shift fork from 98-02 are all the same.
Old Aug 10, 2003 | 09:17 AM
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Thumbs down

From what I understand, all years have the same quality shift forks (sucky) whether it's a Borg Warner or Tremec. One of the first things aftermarket tranny guys do when building a T-56 for our cars is replace our weak-*** aluminum forks with the stronger steel (I think?) Viper T-56 shift forks.
Old Aug 10, 2003 | 10:49 AM
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"quality" is a funny term to use then, isn't it?

I thought the Borg-Warner trannys hold up better...at least with respect to syncros and shifting problems.
Old Aug 10, 2003 | 12:04 PM
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Unhappy

The general consensus that I get is "yes" the Borg Warner units were a little better put together. However, the T-56 is an excellent tranny in either case...it is just a shame that GM specs saddled us with lousy forks, weak clutches/slaves and some reported driveshaft issues (which can affect the tranny).
Old Aug 11, 2003 | 09:16 PM
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GM is coming out with a service fix for the 3-4 shift fork. It replaces the alum. fork with an iron or steel one (I'm not sure which one). This should keep if from bending. If you are rebuilding your trans now and need a shift fork then go to a Dodge dealer and get one for a Viper. They are steel (or cast iron) and will take more abuse. Also replace the synchros. for 3rd and 4th. Hope this helps.
Old Aug 11, 2003 | 09:30 PM
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Originally posted by kjlvilla
GM is coming out with a service fix for the 3-4 shift fork. It replaces the alum. fork with an iron or steel one (I'm not sure which one). This should keep if from bending.
Could you elaborate on this? GM will be using this new part for service? I just dropped my car off for warranty service on the tranny...yep, I bought a car that grinds/pops/get stuck in 3rd and 4th gears. This sucks.

I'm wondering if I will receive an upgraded shift fork...
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