I have an 83 ta with a t5 and I lost 5th gear one day just shifting from 4th to 5th. When I went from 4th to 5th I had 5th gear for a second and then it went like the transmisson is in neutral.I have all the other gears including reverse and when you put it in fifth theres no grinding noises or anything.What could this be?

 

There is a snap ring that holds 5th gear onto the shaft. It probably broke or came off. It happened twice to me when I had a T5.

 

ok ill have a look when urs broke did u feel anything strange when you would move the shifter to 5th?

 

We see that happen all the time. The 5th driven gear does not have enough press fit to hold it on the shaft so it works on the snap ring until it comes off. We have a retaining collar for that so it will never come off again. Call me if you are interested in one. Thanks Bob Hanlon 610.469.2695

 

Can the snap ring be changed with the transmission still in the car by just removing the tailhousing? or does it need to be taken out?

 

i would remove the trans regardless and check everything else out, but you will need to remove it anyway to fix your problem