Grinds going into 3rd

[Hooter]

On my '94 Dually and 5 speed, have to double clutch it when going into 3rd to prevent it from grinding. Assuming synchronizers bad. Just got this truck and haven't checked fluid levels or anything yet. Aside from low fluid, is a bad synchro the likely culprit?

[hraney]

I had the exact same symptom on my 95 3/4 ton. It was a bad syncro. I just double clutched it until the tranny finally gave up (took years). Cost me a little over 2k to get it rebuilt.

[Kilborg]

The nv4500 is a good tranny but the synchros tend to go in them (especially if you dont use the special oil). My 97 with a 350 had a nv4500 and it was bulletproof but the tranny was definently getting weak, as i had put 3 clutches in the truck with 60k on the clock. Heavy abuse ;)

Also, the 5th gear locknut or whatever likes to come loose on the gm versions. I say run it til it blows, if its 2k for a rebuild just pick up another one...I think high impact sells them for just over 2 with the 5th gear fix. Theres gotta be some guys thatll rebuild a 4500 for less then 2 grand.

[Hooter]

I was thinking the same thing regarding run it til it blows or until I need to put a clutch in it. Too much work to take it out.

[RAYMONDK]

You can save a lot of leg action and throwout wear using a "simulated" double-clutch" This is acomplished by backing the throttle back gently to even throttle, then without the clutch, slip it into neutral. Then pat the throttle as required push the clutch and in it goes. You should not need to do anything on a normal upshift. If it grinds you are either shifting it to fast ot too slow. The input drive assembly is already turning too fast and needs to slow down for the next gear. If you time it right it will slip right in silently. The wait could be several seconds with a heavy drive line. If you have good ear -spacial coordination you can shift without the clutch by going to even throttle, slip into neutral ,set the new required engine speed by the sound and knowing your speed, and it'll slide right in. With a tad of hand eye coordination you can match your engine speed to vehicle speeds with the tachometer and speedometer. I almost failed driver ED 40 years ago for not using the clutch, and won many bets on the claim that I could do it even on a 4 speed Impala with a broken synchronizer. Obviously you can't do it unless moving as fast as it idles in low gear.

[3bals]

Shifting without a clutch really isn't that hard at all. Last July, while on a camping trip to Utah, I had clutch failure in Grand Junction, CO. It would not disengage. Grand Junction is on the western side of Colorado. I had to drive up and over the 11,000 ft pass on I-70, across Nebraska and home to MN., without a clutch. While it was a challenge drive, it wasn't that hard. Except for when I had to stop and start on a level surface. Stopping really wasn't the issue, it was taking off from a stand still. That's where a good strong starter came in handy.

Jody

[DragNasty]

Yep, syncro..... I have a tendancy to drive without the clutch also. I drove one of my trucks around for a long time without the clutch bc i could tell it was getting worn bad. I guess its bc Im from a truckin family and the only ti me we use the clutch is to start off.