Intro and question on shifting issues (1 Viewer)

[alicnorr8]

Hello all, super happy to finally be part of this group, I'm a longtime lurker. Always been a 4runner fan, but out of the US now and just bought a new-to-me 1990 FJ80 5-speed manual (pics for love), and am having some trouble with shifting into 2nd gear. Going up from 1st isn't an issue, but coming down from 3rd into 2nd, it just won't go into gear. Not grinding, just won't go. Any pointers on an existing thread that could help, or other insight? Thank so much, I'm excited to tap into all this collective knowledge!

 

[Squash]

Ahh!
When coming out of 3rd to second, nudge 1st a wee bit, then a shot of fuel and shift into Second as rev's decrease. This is all feel and timing. Gets better with practice and this should be smooth, without noise or drama.
Sounds like the gearbox requires some TLC.
Like me you will eventually repair/ replace parts, but until then drive it by feel.
I've been running 2 H55f 's one behind a 13bt and the other behind a 1HZ.
Then there's the 151/Hd-ft combo which is feeling like yours.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Labor and skill is plenty and cheap where you are. Parts abound as well. Take it in and get it checked.

 

[CharlieS]

I've never seen a manual 80, but this sounds a lot like a bad synchro. On other manual transmissions, I've replaced the synchronizer parts and this has resolved the issue. I've done the work myself, but unless you are very mechanically inclined and have a full shop, I'd leave it to a professional.