The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Sticking in Gear.......help!

Lately my truck has been sticking in third gear more than usual. It's always been "sticky" but now whenever I come to a full stop with it in 3rd gear I cannot shift it out. I have to rev the engine and get the truck moving a bit, and while pushing up on the shifter it will come out of 3rd. It takes quite a bit of effort.
BTW, it's a 3-speed on the column.

I know nothing about transmissions or shifters. Anyone want to take a guess as to what is going on? How can I fix it?

Thanks,
Spot

The column shift mechanism is probably getting worn out, pretty common issue on column shifters.
Disconnect it at the transmission and shift the transmission levers underneath the truck, and see if you still have the same issue.
Have somebody else shift the linkage in the cab, while you watch the linkage in front of the firewall, see if you can tell what its binding on, its likely wobbly worn linkage holes.
If its the transmission levers hanging up then its worse, its the syncros in the transmission.

Sticking in 3rd (high) gear is probably caused by the synchros. To overcome the problem it is easier to just shift out of 3rd before you completely stop.

Have you done the basics. Check & change the grease in the trans. Low on grease or old gummy grease can cause this problem.

Okay, I looked at the shifter linkage under the hood and saw no bent or damaged connections. I saw no shiny or dented spots where it might have been hitting, so I'm good there. I checked the oil in the transmission and it was low, but only took about a half bottle of fluid when I filled it. I don't know where any grease might be (Wrenchbender) so please tell me where to look. Are there any zirc fittings around the shifter links that I may have overlooked and that need grease?

I think based on what you guys have told me so far, it's just easier and cheaper to just learn to shift out of 3rd before coming to a complete stop than to get into fixing the synchros.
Any more suggestions? Keep 'em coming.

Many thanks!
Spot

When I said grease I meant the oil in the trans. You can spray all the joints with a spray lube. I'm not sure what year we are working with but if it has the alum. shifter box on the column you can take the cap off the top & fill it with chassis grease.