It won't stop whining!
This is a 91 bird with a totally not stock 305 in it. Tranny wasn't treated well by previous owners..but has been working fine as a DD for several months now. However recently, I've noticed a whine in first - third. Research says this is somewhat normal..
However it's also now developed a whine in neutral. When I push the clutch in, whine goes away..the whining in gear happens weather the clutch is engaged or disengaged as well.
That, mixed with that I can't downshift into third without going into second real quick, I'm aware im on borrowed time.. The question is, any way of knowing how long I've got?
First manual trans car I've owned,
Thanks

 

Throw out bearing

 

Could be the pilot bearing in the input gear. This is the bearing that supports the front of the main shaft. 3rd gear problem is probably a worn out blocker ring.

 

The whine itself is probably the countergear bearings, especially if it also makes the same whine in 5th.

Which did you put in the back of the motor... a pilot bushing, or a bearing? If it's bad (or missing), the support that Big spoke of, won't exist; and the whole 3-4 synchro assy will be all wobbly and out of whack, from the clutch gear not being held solidly in place. In fact it's not impossible that your whole problem set could be a consequence of that.

Personally I doubt it's a blocker ring - not saying "it's not", "it can't be", or anything of the kind - only that on the scale of LIKELY things, a whole bunch of OTHER things are MORE likely, and that one is MUCH LESS likely. I certainly wouldn't start my diagnosis looking at/for that.

 

I put a bushing in the back of the motor.
Before the original motor blew, nothing whined (that I heard. I also have straight pipes dumping behind the front wheels)

When the new motor went in, I put in a new clutch, pilot bushing in that motor, and a new TOB, then filled her up. Noticed the whine in first through third about a month later..then as of two days ago, I noticed a whine in neutral (clutch engaged), but it goes away when clutch is depressed.
However, from day 1 of the tranny being back in, my clutch pedal had a slight vibration as well as it would make a chirping sound that sound would go away if I lightly put pressure/took the slack out of the pedal. Due to time and $, I wasn't able to yank the trans and put another TOB in, so I kept hitting it with wd40 every now and then.

The whine in 1-3 is now quite loud. Loud enough to be heard over my exhaust at times..still whines if I'm in gear, but clutch disengaged. 4-5 lightly whine that I really have to listen for, but as soon as I push clutch in, it goes away.

Everything still works fine/as it did when I got the car. First sometimes takes a little extra push to to go in, but that's it.

 

What does the fluid look like?

 

I haven't pulled any yet, I'll get her up in the air hopefully tomorrow and get a sample. It was filled up with regular atf as well.
Tried getting a video, but trying to hear anything with straight pipes..you know how well that works.

More info, I'm fairly certain that this thing wasn't treated the best by previous owners. While I've had it (4 months?/ 4500 miles), its just been a DD. Not #LOLRACECARGOFAST. Sure, occasionally sliding and spinning in the dirt, but no hard launches, power shifts, drag racing..etc..

If I have to pull this tranny, ID rather just put another one in. Being that I lost my job, dishing out for a t56 isn't currently an option..I'm seeing mixed things about the 1993 fourth gen t5's, whether they will work or not. I'm seeing that later fourth gens use the Ford pattern, sadly. Theres only fourth gen, Ford, and s-10 t5s around here, and zero lt1 t56

 

Can't say I do. Never done ... that ... to any car I've ever had. Too much respect for the people around me, my passengers, and my own hearing.

Not sure why we need to hear about all that other, doesn't seem too related to dipping your finger into the hole (hahaha) and seeing what comes out.

Good luck.

 

Don't know where you are located, but I found this today. http://owensboro.craigslist.org/pts/5508114428.html

 

This thing isn't particularly loud, can still have a conversation at regular volume no issues.
However, jacked it up today. Noticed my tailshaft and yoke is wet.. Pulled the plug out, stick finger in hole, finger is dry. So apparently I've been leaking fluid..

Jacked it up more on the other side to tilt it, got a little on my finger. From that little amount, it looked a nice red.

I would say "hopefully it wasn't damaged too much", but I unfortunately already know what the probable answer is.

 

Just filled it back up. Drank about 1.25 qts of atf.. Time to find a new transmission. Thanks yall

 

Another question..rather not clog up the board with a new question. Just picked up another t5 locally from an F body yard, came out of a 92 6 banger car with 90k miles. Got her home and tore apart to check condition. To me, everything looks good, but my transmission knowledge comes from YouTube videos and the forums.
So, could someone chime in and see if things indeed look alright, or if a rebuild is needed?

It had some atf still in it, looked good, no media in the bottom. I couldn't see any damage to either the upper or lower gears. Had a slightly.. Rubber? Smell.

 

I don't know if a V6 transmission will work with a V8. Better check the input shaft length and splines.

 

It does. Just needs new clutch/pressure plate, obviously v8 Bell, and shorten the v6 input shaft by around 1/2"

 

http://owensboro.craigslist.org/pts/5514376794.html

 

Thanks, but I'm in Kansas, and already got a new trans, it's the one pictured

 

OK, it would be helpful if you would put your location in your profile.