The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Shifting problem

I have been occasionally having difficulty shifting my 1952 Chevy 1/2 ton 4-speed pickup into 4th (high) gear. It can take several attempts before it goes into gear. It seems to happen after I've driven for a lengthy distance (20 miles or so. Once in gear all seems fine. I'm able to shift into all other gears fine. I checked the fluid and it is right up to he fill hole. Any advice would be appreciated.

Does it grind? Is the lever binding up when you pull it back to 4th gear? Give us a bit more information so we can help

I assume it is a stick, You have a standard shifter?

Thank you for your response, Don and Gazim,
Yes it is a floor mounted 4-speed manual with the low creeper gear. No it does not grind. It doesn't seem to bind although it seems to feel like it is hitting against the gear or something solid and will not engage unless I keep moving the shifter around and repeat trying to put it in gear. I have always had to do a quick double clutch between 3rd and 4th or it has given a slight grinding sound. I must say that a few times in the past it has bound up when downshifting from 4th to second while still rolling up to a stop sign but I've learned to come to a complete stop before shifting into 2nd at stop signs. I hope this additional information helps. I sure appreciate your response and willingness to help. Thank you guys.

Check clutch adjustment and for broken clutch springs too.

Thank you, Builder.
Will do.

If the clutch stuff checks out you may want to pull the stick out and see of the end of worn or bent? Maybe a bent shifting fork also?

Thank you, Don.
Will do.

Worn bearings which allow the input and output shafts to get misaligned during shifting will cause the problem you're experiencing. There is a "pocket bearing" where the input and output shafts meet. If the shafts and/or bearing rollers wear, the 3-4 shift collar will hang up as you're trying to engage 4th. gear. By wiggling the shifter around, eventually the shafts will self-align and the shift can be completed. It sounds like it's time for some rehab work with a "small parts" kit that includes all the needle bearings, gaskets, seals, etc.
Jerry

Thank you, Jerry.