Syncro Clutch Spring - Who needs it?

[Tim Smith]

Was doing a pre-flight check on the lightweight and while dumping the transmission oil, out pops a syncro clutch spring. I really don't have the time to pop another transmission in before the trip and I'm wondering if running without one is asking for catastrophic failure or not. My presumption is no so long as I slow down the shifts to accommodate the defunct syncro.

Not much to look at really but here it is.



What do you folks think?

[SafeAirOne]

I've been driving my SIII for 3-4 years without them--Of course, I have to double-de-clutch through all the gears now...

[ybt502r]

I've also been driving my SIII on two synchro springs for a year. I tried to fit in a replacement for my broken third spring through the top of the gear box but failed miserably. Rather than pull the transmission, I have been "shifting carefully". Still seems to work - synchromesh too - fine right now.

[Tim Smith]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I'll be safe.

[rwollschlager]

IIRC from All Metal Dash this year, it is possible to change that spring with the tranny in place just by removing the cover. Seemed fairly simple when Les Parker spoke of it.

[SafeAirOne]

IIRC from All Metal Dash this year, it is possible to change that spring with the tranny in place just by removing the cover. Seemed fairly simple when Les Parker spoke of it.

Mind you, I've never done it myself, but the only account I've ever come across of someone doing it successfully in-situ, was on an archieved web page of Bayou Rovers using a set of special fishing tackle angled needle-nosed pliers. Even then, it sounded like a nightmare.

Here's my very own snchro spring thread on another forum that refers to the Bayou Jim's former webpage about replacing it in-situ (I can't believe that this site archieves everything old on the internet!)

[badvibes]

Here's my very own snchro spring thread on another forum that refers to the Bayou Jim's former webpage about replacing it in-situ (I can't believe that this site archieves everything old on the internet!)

Thanks for linking that site Mark. I'd lost it and was disappointed that the site was no longer available. Apology for going off-topic.

Jeff

[scatterling]

It is a delicate job to change the syncro's in place but it is possible - I've had to do it twice. My suggestion is buy a couple of extra ones, chances are you might break/bend the first one getting the hang of it.

[Tim Smith]

This is great info. Thanks for posting it up.

For sure this transmission is showing it's age. I'm not to sure if I should be proud of this but on just about every other trail run, I will put the shifter into no mans land. That is, it will pop out of the shift gates and just go in circles. I have now got the repair down to a 5 minute fix with a penlight and a buck knife.

Sometimes without the penlight.

[BellaCoola]

I drove mine with only 2 of the 3 detent springs in place up to the Yukon and NorthWest Territories last summer and drove on some of the most radical trails (or lack thereof) without any problem at all.

I have a teeny little vibration around 65kmhr, but other than that all is well.

Wait until you need to rebuild before replacing the spring.

Cheers,

https://www.freewebs.com/83s3109