I am wondering about the condition of my Getrag, It has 340K + miles, and the thing i notice this winter is that the trans needs to be good and warm to downshift into 3rd at 30 mph,, when cold i need to be going 15 mph or so.
Good and warm after a long drive, 4th to 3rd 35 mph easy,,,,,,
I have 354 rear, 2 wheel drive truck, and has always had ATF in Getrag,
What is yours like?
Peter

 

My rig only has around 260K and I know nothing about it's history prior to me but it does not act like you are describing. My first shift or two are stiff if it's really cold but it goes away fast. Kinda sounds like the syncro's are gettin bad on yours , kinda.

 

Two words: Double Clutch!

 

mine does the exact same thing. not near as many miles on rebuild but it grinds in second and third when down shifiting. its gotten so bad that i cant get third until i have stoped when it is cold. i think its time for a rebuild.

 

What do you mean DOUBLE CLUTCH???? Seriosly it doesnt seem to help, Once the trans warms up all is well. I am hoping to get another 100K out of it before a rebuild, Never grinds when warm, Just 30* and for first 10 min or so of driving.
Peter.

 

Swap to some 5-30 Royal Purple and you will be amazed at the difference. My truck has totaly different manners with all RP fluids, the trany shifts and feels like new.

 

Definately check the oil in the trans. 5W30 is what should be in there. My acts up when cold as well. 3rd gear is on its way out in my trans. I'm due to go thru it. When I put the fresh oil in mine it for sure helped along with overfilling.

 

Sounds like the third gear syncro ring is on its way out. Mine wouldn't downshift to third no matter what temp at anything above 15mph, even while double clutching. During the rebuild I found that the third gear syncro ring friction material had separated from the ring. After replacing that along with the other syncro rings and bearings the trans shifts like new. Down shifting from higher speeds without double clutching really wears those syncros quick.