~blacks2k~

I had the same issue years ago, just keep rowing through 5th to 6th gear and it will eventually smooth out.

It seemed to help mine a lot when I drove at a cruising speed and shifted from 5th to 6th back and forth repeatedly. Got a bit smoother each time.
But don't worry your tranny is fine.

TerminatioN

Change your transmission fluid ASAP! Put in Synchromesh!

I was having a similar problem and thats what I did as soon as the problem started, and that completely cured it! The synchromesh is significantly thicker so it will take longer to warm up and get viscous though, so from a cold start up it will be hard to get it to change gears. Once it warms up though it will be like butter!

It's not a guaranteed fix, but it's cheap and easy, so its harmless to try.

BelowRadar

Interesting. Is there a specific weight/brand of synchromesh? Where do you buy it?

ViperASR

I would just buy a couple quarts of Honda MTF and flush the tranny out with that.
Most people on here use Honda MTF, including the track guys.

If you need help, come to Orlando and I'll give you a hand flushing the system out. Its stupid easy.

BelowRadar

Thanks for all the positive comments and willingness to help! This community really is impressive most times.

So, after repeating BillMan's advice a couple of times, and doing a fluid flush with lots of Pennzoil's Synchromesh (identical to the GM fluid and cheaper), replacing both crush washers (you have to buy the big one for the fill bolt from Honda, I couldn't find it anywhere else.)

I HAVE A TRANSMISSION!

It's not perfect, and 6 still feels VERY strange, but it's functional, and that will stave off this expensive purchase until I can afford it.

Billman, TerminatioN, if you ever find yourselves in the Tampa, FL area, hit me up for a free steak dinner! You've saved me from spending $1500 at least.

TerminatioN

No problem at all man! I found the information on the forums when I was having my transmission problems, so of course I had to pass it on.

Btw, I used Pennzoil Synchromesh too, it definitely is pretty much identical.

Glad to have helped, and glad you've got it more or less fixed.

Thanks for the offer, but don't worry about the steak dinner. Just pay it forward.

freebirdchampion

I had the same problem except for I lost 5th gear. I shifted (like an idiot) from redline in 2nd straight into 5th. I drove 200mi home on the highway never having to come out of 6th. When I got off the highway I went to go into 5th and it would not go. I just pushed really hard and worked at (probably 100 shifts into 5th). It got progressively easier going in and easier coming out. Now, four months later no evidence of my mistake.

sickyap132376

lol u need a rebuild .syncros and posible 5th 6th gear .just spend the money ,

dammitjim

what the hell is wrong with your keyboard

Billman250

It will likely get easier over time. As you USE 5th and 6th gear under load, it will further flatten the burr. It is likely the problem will disappear 100%

Syncros are not the issue here, plain and simple.