1968 Kaiser M35A2 shifting issues

[chonaikai]

Just recently purchased a 1968 Kaiser M35A2. I can get it to go into reverse, 1st, 4th, and 5th with little to no issues. But it will not go into 2nd or 3rd. When it's shifted into either of those, I can't get it to grab or even jostle in place. I've even tried to see if I can get them to grind a bit in attempt to see if the gears are at least making contact but that was a no-go as well. I've been told to attempt to double clutch it, but still didn't work. With the other gears, I feel it lock in place and engage nicely, but when trying 2nd or 3rd, it feels as if I'm pushing against a wall (best way I can describe the feeling). Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas of what could be causing this?

 

[tommys2patrick]

A visual inspection of the inside of tranny might be good. the center floorboard cover comes off with a few screws. then the top cover on the tranny itself. with engine off then try shifting gears. watch closely on the two gears in question. other tranny folks may want to try and chime in here as well. thats my two cwnts.

 

[gringeltaube]

Yes, the top cover needs to come off. Then try to slide 2nd /3rd synchro back and forth, manually. You should be able to engage the clutch collar of the synchro unit into either gear, just by using both hands, no tools.
If that doesn't work and the collar is stuck in N, then most likely the two woodruff keys have sheared and the splined synchro hub spun on the mainshaft, possibly splitting open.
Next step would be pulling the whole mainshaft assembly, to disassemble, inspect and repair. Note that it can be removed with the transmission in place.

 

[cattlerepairman]

Yes - a quick job to zoom the eight top cover bolts off. I would add to the already mentioned possible issues that you may have a bent shift fork - overzealous soldier A wailing on the shifter can accomplish that.