86 Bronco 2 first and second gear problems
 

Hi all,
I am new to the forum and am having issues with an 86 Bronco 2 manual transmission I just bought. It goes into all gears but when in first or second gear I can let off the clutch all the way and nothing happens. It doesn't rev the engine, shut off, or more importantly move. If I put it in third I am able to ride the clutch long enough that I can drive it and shift into forth and D. I am hoping someone has some advice or if anyone has had any similar issues. Thanks!

There is only one way to know for sure and that is to remove the floor pan over the trans, then remove the top of the trans.(shift tower).
Inside you should see 3 shift rails that the shift stick fits into when the tower is installed..Then remove the top of the trans that contains the shift rails and forks.
I would suspect the fork for the first and second gear positions either has become loose or may be broken. when you remove the top the shift forks will come out of the gears and synchronizers so try to remember just how they were so you can reinstall them when ready. Let us know what you find, thanks.

Thanks for the info! I will do that and let you know what I find. Just out of curiosity, low hydrologic fluid wouldn't be a cause would it? Or would it just slip or be hard to put into gear if that were the issue? I should also add that when the clutch is not engaged it goes freely I to 1st and 2nd. It does make a sort of gurgle sound when I try to engage the clutch and use 1st gear. Thanks again for the info.

Just an update, I was about to drop the trans and noticed a break in the hose that connects to the top of the trans. I think it is the bleeder hose but I'm not certain. The bleeder valve was replaced with some sort of plug by the owner before me and it looks like they cut the other end of the hose completely. Would this be the cause of some of the problems? I'm sure the cut hose caused a bunch of junk to get into the transmission so it will probably need to be replaced anyways but was curious if this could have been the root of the issues.

If it was s shift fork problem as I earlier suspected the problem would be there whether the engine was running or not.

Since there are so many variables as it so far seems, it would probably be best if the trans was removed and checked out internally. Your thoughts regarding possible garbage inside the trans will be evident when it is disassembled and a better diagnosis can be made. Read as much as you can and learn all you can so that when you open up the trans you will know what you are looking at and if anything appears wrong. Remember clean everything before opening up the trans so you don't contribute to any possible problems .