Minor Transmission
Second Gear Synchro Wear
Symptoms
Grinding or crunching when shifting into second gear, particularly on quick downshifts. May also be reluctant to engage second.
Cause
The synchromesh on second gear in the 3-speed manual wears faster than the other gears because it's the most-used ratio. After 70 years, even a lightly-used gearbox will have worn synchros.
Fix
Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings.
Budget $800-1,500.
Many owners learn to double-clutch on downshifts to extend synchro life, it's a skill worth developing.
Some drivers simply accept the crunch and live with it.
Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $800-1,500
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