Notchy Shifter/PS Leak

[Shamus]

Two questions on my 98 Cobra purchased a year ago:

- The 1-2 shift is very notchy. Thought I'd have the gear oil replaced with new synthetic. Believe it comes with syn...anybody replace theirs that made the notchiness go away or at least minimize?

- Had the power steering hose up front replaced as it was leaking last year. Still get some leaks elsewhere and have to take back in...Any one else have this problem? Thanks.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I have had two T-45's in my 96 Cobra. The new one I put in was notchy right off the bat. My 97 Cobra T-45 is not so notchy, but all three T-45's that I have had experience with are hard has heck to get into reverse sometimes.

If you replace the fluid, it may help, however do not use gear oil, it is too thick, and will become very hard to shift. All stick shift transmissions take ATF. You can use synthetic if you desire. I just changed the fluid on my T-45 in the 96 Cobra. I drained the fluid out, and refilled it through the shifter. Fill it with the drain plug out. Mine took 3-1/2 quarts before it started to pour out. I hope this helps your car, because mine is still tough...I am done with T-45's I am going T-56 in the spring.

As far as the power steering hose, they are high pressure hoses, so it is not abnormal for them to go bad. You may just have to replace it again. I would try putting in power steering fluid that says "helps stop leaks and squeaks" That stopped the leak in my old 91 GT that leaked fluid.

 

[Shamus]

Appreciate your input. I take it the T-45 is what comes stock in my '98. Where or what is the T56 from? Where will you purchase and what price range are we talking? Thanks for your input.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

The T-45 is stock in the 96-98 Cobras and GT's. The T-56 is out of the 03-04 Cobras. It is a tough tough 6-speed and you can buy them brand new from D&D Performance...Wixom, Michigan. One of them is 2499. The other one which is much stronger and the gear ratios differ is 2999. Both transmissions are tough and they both come with a new driveshaft, which is shorter, a new clutch cable, and a transmission crossmember. The original member must be taken out, and the 6-speed crossmember must be installed further backon the frame rails. That is really the only solution if you want a bullit proof trans. I wish the T-45 in my 96, was as smooth and nice as the one in my 97. I guess thats what a blower does though is hurts the trans...bummer...

 

[budguy1967]

I just bought a TKO-500 26 spline, probably more tranny than I will ever need.