98 sonoma manual trans problems

I was driving my pickup down the freeway today & all of a sudden when trying to shift into 5th gear, found it was missing! It will physically fall into position like a normal shift, but will not engage the gear. I also found that reverse will just kind of grind like it barely touches with the gear, but will not fall into place.... Has anyone had this problem? I can fix mostly anything on the truck, but I am curious if this is a major problem or can it be fixed by a fairly seasoned shadetree mechanic? thanks for any responses....

That is an odd one.

I really wouldn't know what it is, however I'm told that it's pretty easy working on the manual gearbox.
I'm told that it's easier than rebuilding a motor.

If you decide to tackle this on your own please let me know what the problem was and how hard it was to fix

Could be the synchros are shot, I'm not a transmission expert (I can tinker though and get clutches changed out). I'd swing by a shop and talk to them, hell, it could be nothing more than your linkage..If you have an aamco, they won't charge to take a quick look at it.

Fifth and reverse are on the same shift rail I'm thinking, so I'd guess the shift fork on that rail has come loose or bent/broken. Be pretty unusual for fifth gear to just fail like this. Not an easy fix as it's all internal.

Hey man got a new one if you want it and cant get your old one fixed. Just pm me. It is a 4 cylinder 5 speed came out of a 95 sonoma should work fine. low miles

If it was my problem I would take you up on that offer

I agree with OverBoardProject, I would take me up on this offer also. You are not going to find a better deal than this one.