2002 5 Speed Trans Help

[coloskydiver]

Hey guys. I am in need of some guidance on my car as I am having a transmission issue that I would like some advise on. First off, I have an 2002 5 speed trans that was fully rebuilt with a LGT gear set, Cusco LSD and had 3 of the 5 synchro's replaced. The issue that I am having is that 5th gear is being kicked out and is hard to tell if it is something new or something that has always existed. I have probably about 1100 miles on the car and didn't have the issue occur until i had some work on the trans to replace both axle seals due to the wrong seals being installed when rebuilt for the axle's i was using. There may be a chance that the shifter was not fully adjusted (felt like it was) but wanted to run this past you guys to get your thoughts. The car is in my friends shop to get some punch list items taken care of and adjusting the shifter is one of them but I have not had a chance to drive the car since it was adjusted. It all started after the axles and seals were fixed and I hope I am not simply jumping to conclusions (I've play that game before). I am really hoping that at this point in the build that the trans does not need to be pulled and I am looking for some opinions. Any ideas and advice are welcome.

[JeromeS13]

Start with making sure the shifter is adjusted per the manual. Next, find out EXACTLY how much gear oil was put into the transmission and do NOT go by what the dipstick says. If the dipstick shows level, add another two quarts...

[coloskydiver]

Thank you. I was thinking that the fluid level could be an issue. I will check it out

[Pearldrummer7]

Fluid level is a good start. You can always put the rear wheels in the air and engage 5th gear while it's off manually (at the trans) then start the car and slowly let the clutch out. See if with no load it will stay in 5th. This would eliminate shifter/linkage as an issue if it doesn't

[Ironhydroxide]

If whomever installed your axle adapters had the case open to do it, and forgot to reinstall the input shaft retainer plate before installing the extension housing (rear section) that could cause this issue.

[coloskydiver]

If whomever installed your axle adapters had the case open to do it, and forgot to reinstall the input shaft retainer plate before installing the extension housing (rear section) that could cause this issue.

They didn't crack the case and company who rebuilt it has been a Subaru only shop for 20 years so I am hoping it was done right. The fluid level makes the most sense to me at this point as the racing shop that corner weighted and setup the suspension is who replace the axle seals. They would have not idea to over fill the trans and probably filled it to the mark on the dip stick. The car is getting upholstery work done right now and have not had a chance to check the fluid level. Thanks for everyone's input.