Series III gearbox won't go into first

[Robert]

Series IIA with Series III gearbox. Won't go into first. All other gears and clutch work fine. Suggestions? Thanks

[Robert]

Hello again. Before I delve into the gearbox, it would sure be nice to hear thoughts about the linkage or something internal that won't let the gear to slide. Thanks, Robert

[erik88lr]

How does it not go into first? Do gears grind when you try? Or is the shifter lever frozen? How about if you try with the engine not running? Same symptoms? Reverse work normally? Really need a bit more info.

[jimrr]

did it work previously? was the S-2 gear box just aquired and installed? did the S2 gearbox work 'on the bench test'?, I don't believe 1st is syncr'd but you should be able to spin the clutch plate and get it into gear. does the shift lever act like it wants to go into its slot? I can't believe there is anything that can be done during a installation that'd prevent first gear from engaging. the forks in there are pretty robust but i guess someone could possibly break one off and it'd get stuck in the way of going into first, (my shift lever broke first!) maybe the reverse plate somehow moved over into the way? it does sound like it's in the top of the xmission and i'd avoid driving it in case something in there could fall down on the layshaft and such and cause real problems. i think you should figure it out after pulling the shift lever assy out. let us know.

[Robert]

Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated. Some more details. Series III gearbox was installed some 30 years ago by previous owner. I have owned the truck for some 25 years and have had absolutely no problems with the gearbox. I installed a Fairey overdrive some 20 years ago and have had no problems with that either. That's why this issue is a bit confusing to me. Gear lever will not move the gears into the first position regardless if the clutch is depressed or the engine is running. Lever will move the gears into all the other positions. I can move the truck starting in second. The lever just won't move into the first position. Thanks, Robert

[erik88lr]

Don't mean to sound flippant, but it sounds like something is jammed. There appears to be a bit of the shift linkage that is external to the gearbox - maybe a pebble got thrown up into that area, but it's a long shot. I guess you'll have to do some disassembly....

[Robert]

Agree that something is jammed. Was never off pavement, so probably something internal regarding the forks. Robert