Help! Doug Nash 4+3 issues...not with the overdrive though...

[he_mech_usmch]

I am new to this forum, so hello! I have an 85 Coupe with the 4+3 DNE trans. My problem is that it seems like the trans is stuck in gear. I have verified that the linkage is not binding and the shifter is aligned for neutral. I pulled the side cover off of the t10 portion of the trans and it looks like it's in neutral since I can see the syncros on either side of the gear clutch. I can put it in 3-4 with little effort, but 1-2 is a pita. The PO stated that he was trying to "sport shift" the car prior to me getting it and got it stuck in 2nd, I am about to lose my mind after going back and forth with everything. I can't see where anything is broken, there's no metal chunks anywhere. The shift forks don't look bent, but I'm at a loss. I don't see what else I can do in the car...it's about ready to either come out and go to the trans shop or just go...Appreciate any insight.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[vetteoz]

The PO stated that he was trying to "sport shift"
the car prior to me getting it and got it stuck in 2nd,
I can't see where anything is broken, but I'm at a loss.

Does the 1-2 shift comb move when the linkage on the outside of the side cover is moved?
Put some weight on the internal comb and try to move it with a wrench across the flats on the outside

 

[he_mech_usmch]

it's alive!!!

Stopped by a trans shop today and stumped the old guy there. I got back home and took it all apart again, put it back together and was going to try and turn it around. Got it in the wet grass and just let it eat for a second, whatever was stuck got loose...there's a slight ticking in the trans under power...I'll check it tomorrow, make sure it's full...now all I need are the gauges and paint and she's done...for now...

Thanks for the help!

 

[vetteoz]

Stopped by a trans shop today and stumped the old guy there.

The reason I asked is that the shaft through the case is only pressed onto the selector comb shown that operates the fork.

With enthusiastic 1-2 shifting it is possible to break the join loose so the comb will not move when under load
but appears OK when you operate the selector mech with the cover off

 

[he_mech_usmch]

I was warned about the press-fit and did check it. I hate to assume, but I would venture to say that the PO was a little low on fluid and/or tried running 1&2 at the same time which wedged 2nd somehow, it was the only gear without a little lash when I grabbed them and gave them the wiggle test. There's a little tick under moderate power, sounds like the u-joints being squeaky from no use after 2 years. I'm going to lube them up and drain and refill the manual when I get home in a few and then see if the OD works...drove it around the neighborhood last night and got it in 3rd.

thanks for the help

Josh