AW4 First gear

[John0258]

I have a 90 2wd 4.0w/AW4 transmission.
When starting out from a stop the transmission sounds like it's dragging lose metal and is slow to shift to second. Once it gets to second it works great. Shift points are good and it is smooth.

 

Any ideas what might be up with First?

Edited June 15, 2021 by John0258
Typo

[The86manche]

Are you sure that'd an ax4? 4.0 should have an ax15.

Have you done a service to the trans? New oil? Or checked the old metal for chunks or shavings?

[scaleless]

As said, that's an AX15, not an AX4.  First gear synchro is probably toast, or worse: you're missing some teeth on the gear.  Since you say it's an AX4, are you missing fifth as well?  Regardless, its time for a rebuild.

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Possibly a typo for "AW4". Still first thing is to check fluids and report back.

[scaleless]

31 minutes ago, JustEmptyEveryPocket said:

Possibly a typo for "AW4". Still first thing is to check fluids and report back.

 

Ah, you know, that makes a lot more sense!

[John0258]

It is an AW4. My other 4.0 has an AX15 in it. Fluids are good, just topped off before trip.

 

[Coyote]

Has the filter ever been changed? Don't laugh, alot of people just drain the fluid and refill without ever actually changing the filter. The filter and gasket are pretty cheap, it's the 9 qts of tranny fluid that gets expensive. If you're going to drop the pan and change the filter, go ahead and replace the solenoids at the same time. They come in a 3 pack with upgraded grounds. Made my '88 shift smooth as silk.