Hi Everyone, I have a 1991 3.0L 5 Speed monty that has a cranky second synchro. It works but it isn't pleasant. Looking for ways to fix the problem, I have come across two general broad solutions.

1) Rebuild/replace the transmission, either just doing synchros and 1st/second gear, or doing a whole rebuild

2)buying a used gen 2 manual transmission, I'm looking at a 94 V5MT1-3 (?)

What I'm hesitant about, is that for option 2) the tranny has unknown mileage. Seller sells with 3 month warranty, but I want this to last a long time. On the other hand, I'd really like the upgraded synchros on the latter transmissions.

One option I considered was whether I could maybe add the upgraded synchros (V5MT1-3) to the V5MT1-1, but I'm not sure they are backwards compatible, a lot of parts are interchangeable, but the following parts are unique to the newer tranny. Would anyone know if I can just replace the Gen 1 parts with the ones above, and basically have a V5MT1-1 assembly with V5MT1-3 gearing?

Also any input on what would you do is greatly appreciated

M/T COUNTERSHAFT BEARING
M/T REV IDLER GEAR BEARING
M/T MAIN SHAFT 3RD SPEED GEAR
M/T MAIN SHAFT 2ND SPEED GEAR
M/T MAIN SHAFT 1ST SPEED GEAR
M/T MAIN SHAFT 5TH SPEED GEAR
M/T MAIN SHAFT REV GEAR
M/T REV IDLER GEAR
M/T MAIN SHAFT 2ND SPEED GEAR
M/T COUNTERSHAFT GEAR CLUSTER
M/T 3RD & 4TH SYNCH HUB
M/T 1ST & 2ND SYNCH HUB
M/T 1ST & 2ND SYNCH HUB
M/T SYNCH KEY
M/T MAIN DRIVE PINION
M/T 2ND SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T 3RD SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T 1ST SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T REV GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T 5TH SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T 2ND SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T 1ST SPEED GEAR SYNCH RING
M/T MAIN SHAFT
M/T REV IDLER GEAR SHAFT
M/T 3RD & 4TH SYNCH SLEEVE
M/T 1ST & 2ND SYNCH SLEEVE
M/T POWER TRAIN SNAP RING
M/T SYNCH KEY SPRING
M/T MAIN SHAFT 2ND GEAR THRUST WASHER
M/T MAIN SHAFT 2ND GEAR THRUST WASHER

Just my opinion, If you want the new syncros, get the new box. If you have very little wrong in yours, replace what is needed, not everything. On my 94 Mighty Max the main shaft moved for/aft with throttle changes in the upper gears, there is a rear bearing retainer that has loosened fasteners. I could not get the time to take it off the road so I would keep a finger on the shifter when I had to lift throttle in that gear, irritating. Frame rust made the decision to park a very economical tow rig.

Thanks for the reply! How did your Mighty Max shift before getting that main shaft play? IÔÇÖve mainly only driven old manual cars, but the few times IÔÇÖve driven new manuals IÔÇÖm always impressed by the ease of shifting. One of my main selling points of the V5MT1-3 is that the reverse is synchronized and spring loaded (and not paper lined synchros). Since IÔÇÖm like the 5th owner of my Monty itÔÇÖs gotten a lot of abuse and the reverse is also very ~delicate~ to engage.