So I have this 2000 Dakota Sport 4.7 V8 5spd. I think it has bad a bad synchro in 2nd gear. When shifting from from 1st to 2nd if I do it quickly the gears just grind, but if I take it slow shifting into 2nd then it works just fine. It usually takes about a 1 - 1.5 seconds for that shift.

I don't know much about working on vehicles, but from what I have researched. I am thinking the synchro in 2nd gear is worn.

So my questions...
1) Does that sound about right?
2) Do you think flushing transmission lube would help? How hard is that to do, and how do I do it?
3) How much do you think it would cost to replace the synchro?

 

That does sound about right, and the second gear synchro is usually the first to go. Flushing it probably wont help, especially if it won't even go into gear when you speed shift. While you can replace the synchro, since you have to pull the tranny and tear it down anyway, might as well freshen it up.

 

So what else would you suggest doing to "freshen it up". I am guessing that taking the tranny apart myself would not be a good idea since I have not done mechanical on a vehicle...only stereo stuff.

This is kind of random, but do they make short shifters for the dakota? If so how much do they cost and how hard are they to put in? I guess right now it doesn't matter...lol...it won't help my problem any.

 

I definately wouldn't recommend it, not only if you aren't too mechanically inclined, but there are quite a few special tools that you would have to have. Its just not worth the trouble. But if you have to go into it anyway, new clutch, new main and countershaft bearings, all new synchros, shift fork pads, etc.

 

any idea as to how much this could cost?

 

I would venture to guess somewhere between 1000-1500 parts labor and all. I could be close or I could be way off. Price really depends on how hard the parts you end up needing are to find, and how much the shop will charge you to do it. If you call a shop, they will probably charge you a flat rate to R&R the tranny, tear it down, and see what all it needs and then the price will go from there.