Falcon (XK-XP)

1960-1966 / Sedan / Convertible / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (XK-XP) problems All workshop issues

Minor Transmission

3-Speed Manual: Second Gear Synchro Wear

Symptoms

Grinding or crunching when shifting into second, particularly on quick shifts or cold gearbox. May refuse to engage second cleanly.

Cause

Second gear synchro is the hardest-worked component in the gearbox. After 60 years, even a lightly-used gearbox will have synchro wear. Heavy-handed shifting accelerates the damage.

Fix

Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings.

Budget $800-1,500.

Double-clutching on downshifts extends synchro life and is a good habit to develop.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $800-1,500

Know something we don't?

Owned a Ford Falcon (XK-XP)? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More Falcon (XK-XP) problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission

Fordomatic 2-Speed Automatic: Slipping and Harsh Shifts

Delayed engagement when selecting drive or reverse. Slipping under load (engine revs rise without corresponding acceleration). Harsh or clunking shifts between the two gears.

Minor Transmission

Column Shift Linkage Slop

The column-mounted gear lever feels vague, won't select gears precisely, or pops out of gear.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Floor Pan Corrosion

Visible rust perforation on the underside of the floor. Soft, spongy metal when prodded. In severe cases, daylight visible through the cabin floor.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Sill (Rocker Panel) Rot

Bubbling paint along the lower body sides, soft metal when prodded, visible perforation.

Common Rust (The Big One)

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well

Rust in the boot floor, water pooling in the spare tyre well, perforation around the tail-light mounting points.

Common Rust (The Big One)

Lower Quarter Panels

Bubbling, blistering, or perforation on the lower rear quarter panels behind the rear wheels.

View all 18 Falcon (XK-XP) problems