Slipping out of first gear

I've got a 73 CJ-5 with the Borg-Warner T14a 3-spd Manual and Dana 20.

Lately I've noticed that if I put her in first when completely stopped and take my hand off the shifter that it frequently slips into neutral. If I'm moving it holds fine and the other gears all hold fine whether stopped or moving. It's not a big deal, but I wanted to find out whether it is normal or indicates a larger problem on it's way.

I've searched in an effort to educate myself, but didn't find much. I've replaced brake pads, changed oil, and a few other maintenance items, but I'm still no mechanic. That said I'm trying to teach myself how to work on the CJ. So any ideas about what is going on are appreciated, along with pointers in the right direction for how I can fix it myself.

Thanks,
Jason

 

My 73 CJ5 does the same thing, or did before I tore it apart! I will be interested to see what the answer is.

 

There could be a shifter problem... take the top off and check it out.

Another possibility is that first gear is worn. The gear has a busing on the inner bore that serves as a bearing surface on the main shaft. If the bushing is worn, the gear will be loose on the main shaft and will skew on the shaft. This pushes the clutch sleeve (aka synchro collar) away from the gear, and the clutch sleeve will disengage from the gear.

However, this kind of problem usually happens when you are cruising along and you take your foot off the gas to decelerate. The change in loading of the gear causes the skew.

Instead, I think it's more likely that you have a shifter problem (in the shift top) or something worn or broken. The clutch sleeve or gear dogs (teeth on the gear that engage the sleeve) could be worn. Or the synchronizer spring could be broken, though that in itself shouldn't be enough to make the gear pop out on its own if the other parts are in good condition.

You need to follow a factory manual. There's a '72 manual online at www.trailforge.com - that should get you started. Study that and then ask some questions.

hth!