Only got one response, looking for more opinions as well. Ill see how long the mods will keep this in here before it gets moved back to drivetrain forum.

under hard drving, the shift from second into third gives me a pretty bad grinding sound. When Im driving slowly, the shift is just as smooth as every other gear, no noise at all. I just really hope this doesnt mean third gear syncro is goin out. Would any one like to add their $.02 and report the bad news?

 

It is the paper backing on the blocker ring. (wearing out)
If you replace it now it will save money later...

 

And how hard is that paper backing on the blocker ring to fix myself using average tools/jacks and stands? How expensive is the part? Any info greatly appreciated.

 

I would say syncro, but then again I don't know much about tranny's

 

The blocker ring is actually just one part of the syncro assembly
Cost is about 12.00 or so but you need to take apart the transmission to do it...

 

Hey, I was the guy who replied in the driveline forum.

"I had the same problem. When I tore the T56 down I found 3rd gear blocker split. At higher speeds the blocker would open under the centrifical force causing high shift effort. Under normal driving it was o.k. but still not perfect. It will only get worse.
If you tear into the T56 buy a D&D kit and a 3/4 fork. The GM parts are not as good. Here's another tip: fill the trans from the shifter mount hole on top instead of the fill hole on the T56 side."

I think you feel pretty sure what the problem is. If you tear the T56 down, Get the D&D parts and 3/4 fork. Replace the shifter.

End your T56 problems for good. I would hate to hear or see anyone do less than that and wished they had done it later.

My 2 cents. Take care.

 

but tearing into the t-56 is pretty detailed right? I dont like takin it to a shop but might have to. I have a friend who is finishing up at wyoming tech so maybe I can get some help from him. On a scale from one to ten for mechanics skills I rank in about 6.5...nothing to great.

 

I made a few new buds at the local Chev house. Be nice and buy lunch. Most of these guy's will work the side for a few extra $$$
You will need special tools. I.E. Reverse gear puller 5/6 puller,
There is a manual on line. D&D at 248 735-6220 and ask about it.
Parts needed:

T56 syn. rebuild kit was $229.00
3/4 steel fork was $49.00
Seals were $14.00

If I can find the manual online I will post it.

Sorry to say it but there are a SH!# load of parts in these babys!

 

Ummm...read this:

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/39021/

and this:

http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...r_cylinder.htm

 

The articles are interesting. But There is a difference between
missing 3rd gear like in the articles and grinding 3rd gear like the
thread started with. Coogs your grinding Right?

 

He could be grinding because the clutch is not fully disengaging the flywheel, right??? That's why I posted the article.

 

Im grinding, in one instance it wanted to spit third out. But most of the time in a racing scenario, unless I do I very gentle shift from 2nd to 3rd, there is a grinding sound/feeling.

I made sure the clutch was smashed to the floor.

 

Its getting better now, I have no idea what is really going on. Ill be nice to it.

 

hey I got the same problem on my Z. I dunno what it is but i'm grinding sometimes when race shifting and less often at normal driving shifting. I'll take mine to a mechanic and find a solution.. and it wont be a $400 kit i hope...

 

It's the transmission and not the clutch. I put a new clutch in with the 02 slave and a new master. Same dam noise. It's your syncro. I've done my research on this and other boards and I'm confident its your syncro. A few of my local ls1 owners have or had the same problem. They replaced the same stuff I did and got the same results. After rebuilding the tranny the problem disappeared. Don't be surprised if that bad boy starts popping out of 3rd gear once in a while.