93 T100 Won't go into gear

When you are shifting through the gears, one of the things that happens is that a gear, called a dog, moves along the shift rails until it meets the “dog collar” on the gear. Until this happens, the transmission won’t go into gear, no matter how hard you try.

Now, what could keep this from happening? There could be cable binding that is preventing the dog gear from moving along the rails or it could be dog gearing itself. It may simply be gone and if that is the case, then you are looking at the rebuild of probably two gears. Each rebuild is probably about $400, so it will cost you $800 or so.

If you are luck, though, and there’s a cable bind somewhere that is preventing the dog gearing from sliding along, then you are looking at a fix that is just as complicated, but it only involves a cable and a cable runner. This one should average about $500.

Let’s say, though, that the synchros on the T100’s first two gears are shot, then, you are looking at devices that potentially can keep your shift from working at all, as it is now doing. Replacing the synchros is more expensive, probably $1,200, but it is worth it if you are planning on keeping the Toyo.

If the synchros are shot, though, the chances are also good that the gearing itself may be gone so that it may be a good idea to think about replacing the transmission altogether. A rebuilt is about $2,400 or so with labor.

One last suggestion is this: the T100 is 23 years old now and it is exhibiting signs of major transmission issues. Since it is, ask yourself this question: do you want to make the investment in the T100, a vehicle that is on the edge of no longer having a ready supply of replacement parts available (most carmakers keep about a 20-year supply of parts available). And, the parts that are available are going to go up.

Now, unless you plan on restoring and making it an antique in a couple of years — a great investment in tough times — then I’d suggest selling out and moving on. A newer truck is more reliable and will save you in the long run.

If you are planning to go the antique rout — quite understandable — and the T100 has special meaning to you, then, I would opt for the replacement tranny. It will save you work.