3 on tree manual trans downshift behavior - from 3rd to 1st with clutch down

[hplacecf]

hi.

77 c10.
3 on the tree.
3 speed manual Saginaw transmission.


Trans shifts fine 'upwards' from 1st to 2nd to 3rd.

My issue is if I am in 3rd, still moving, but about to come to a stop.

If I push down fully on the clutch pedal (while still moving/coasting) and try to shift into 1st (in anticipation of coming to a full stop and then having to be in 1st gear to start moving again) the trans makes a sound like it has resistance, and it won't 'easily' shift into 1st until I get much slower - maybe 10-15 mph.

Again, the clutch pedal is fully pushed down.

If I wait until I am at about 10-15 mph it shifts fine into 1st with the clutch pedal pushed down.

question: is this normal for a 3 speed Saginaw and/or 3 on the tree?


If it is not normal, what might be causing it to happen? What should I look at?

thanks

[Keith Seymore]

Yes - that is normal for a Saginaw three speed.

I would suggest that is normal for almost any vintage manual transmission.

If you want to downshift sooner then you will need to "double clutch".

I would also suggest you shift from 3rd to 2nd and do your engine braking there, rather than going directly from 3rd to 1st.


K

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Yep, normal for an old stick.
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[bnoon]

Just a note, don't try to force it into 1st on vintage or new transmissions. 1st gear is for when you are stopped or VERY nearly stopped and that's it. Otherwise 2nd is where you should be. Forcing it into 1st can bend your syncro carrier, shifter fork, or grind the syncro gears. Double clutch and throttle blips can get you into 1st at higher speeds, but it's still not something you should be doing every day.

[TheBlueBomber]

Downshifting into 1st is best when stopped. IMO if your car/truck is still rolling, 2nd gear will get you going with no harm.