Grinding when going into reverse - but only if doing so after immediate clutch engagement. '96 2WD 5MT

[ob_ranger]

Howdy,

Just joined the Ranger community today and encountered a surprising grind going into reverse that was never revealed during my test drive, or during the PPI I paid for (feel like a schmuck for that). When shifting into reverse following immediate clutch engagement, I get a grinding. This does not happen if I: 1) shift into another gear and then into reverse or 2) keep the clutch engaged for ~5 seconds. Based on what I've read per the below threads, the M50D should be synchronized, so I am guessing my reverse snychro is cooked? If true, is this merely an inconvenience, or is there a greater risk? I assume fixing that synchro basically means rebuilding the whole trans? Should I try a drain and fill with synthetic gear oil? Appreciate the help!

Thread 1

Thread 2

 

[franklin2]

Won't hurt anything. You would be surprised how little time it takes to get used to a routine with it. Like shifting into 5th before going into reverse over whatever is most convenient.

I had a transmission where 2nd gear synch was getting worn I got in the habit of lightly pressing the shifter into first gear when downshifting, and then pulling it back into 2nd. I find myself doing that with all the vehicles I drive now.

 

[sgtsandman]

What fluid are you using in the transmission and how long has it been since it's been changed? I find with my 2011, when the ATF is getting worn out, shifting into revise gets difficult and I have to put into 1st before going into reverse. The aftermarket fluid I tried wore out faster than Motorcraft Mercon V but even Mercon V will do it once the fluid gets so many miles on it. I change mine every 30,000 miles to avoid the issue. The aftermarket fluid didn't last that long before needing changed.

 

[ob_ranger]

Not sure on the fluid - just bought the truck with 60K miles so I'm guessing it's 20 year old fluid lol. I just bought some purple synchromesh to refill with this week hoping that does the trick. Appreciate the tips!