3spd. Trans noises

[raiden7800]

How loud should the 3 spd. manual on the tree trans be? Mine is pretty loud, sounds about 2 times louder than a 4wd transfer case in low gear. (Thats loud!) Its not making a grinding noise or anything, it just has a really loud gear to gear noise. 1st gear is quiet, 2nd is louder, and 3rd sounds like someone forgot to take it out of low gear on the t-case. Im thinking maybe that it just needs more gear lube? Or is it shot?

Ive heard that the trans is shot from 1 guy, and that it may be low on oil from others. I dont know of a way to check the fluid, other than to open the drain plug (if it has one) annd see if any comes out.

Help! Do I need a new trans?

[hewlett2002000]

well there should be a plug on the side to check and fill the oil. i just stick a straw in that hole and see how high it is. i learned a long time ago not to stick my finger in there!!! lol
good luck,
John

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I just use my pinky finger. It should be on the pass side about half way up. And you should at least be able to touch fluid on the end of your finger.
What kind of noises? Does the noise go away when you're not applying power or not completely coasting (in other words, just applying enough throtle to keep the truck at a constant speed?) If so, sounds like a rear end problem. You might want to check the rearend level also.

[raiden7800]

If I keep the truck at a constant speed lie you are saying 63&64, then yes the noise will pretty much go away. I will check the fluid in the rearend as well.

Wouldn't it make that same level of noise despite what gear I am in though?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by raiden7800

If I keep the truck at a constant speed lie you are saying 63&64, then yes the noise will pretty much go away. I will check the fluid in the rearend as well.

Wouldn't it make that same level of noise despite what gear I am in though?

well, the rear will make more noise the faster you're going. So, it seems like 1st is kinda loud, 2nd a little louder and 3rd loud. And, the symptoms you're describing pretty much sound like rear end problems to me. Just a guess of course. But, I'd check that rear oil level and make sure it's not milky (water in the oil.) In 3 speed transmissions, 1st gear and reverse share a shaft and 2nd and 3rd share a different shaft. So most times if 1st has a problem, reverse will too, same with 2nd and 3rd. But, if you're having noise in all gears, again....just a wild uneducated guess, but I'd look at the rear.