gear crunch

Hi all,i have started to get a slight crunch when changing up to 2nd and 3rd gears.it does not happen when changing down,its had a new clutch and gear oil not long ago,it started when I went mondo mode and I have noticed a fair bit of movement from engine and top tie rod/engine mount looks worn?obviously with props removed the engine will be less stable?and I wonder if the excess movement when de clutching is moving gear selector rod?i already changed the lower rod a while ago cos knackered!if I change gear slowly it does not do it and sometimes it doesnt at all?any ideas??cheers. Plus anyone know where I can get a top mount?

try it with the prop connected, in 4x4 mode.

How many miles has your Hippo done? It could just be the cones wearing on third gear. It is normally the most used gear. Slow your changing action to give the synchro time to do its job. If that doesn't work then a question. Does the gears grate when you engage reverse? if so your clutch is dragging and the release mechansm needs attention.

its done about 82000 miles,if change slowly then yes it wont crunch but as said sometomes dont do it at all but only started since prop removal,again seems if you rock on biting point in first with handbrake on theres a lot of movement from engine and if you power on/off fast then you can feel engine move?and defo looks like top mount is gone so i thought maybe excess movement is moving gear linkage??

Engine pivot is controlled by the bottom strap. There will be some movement in the engine anyhow. On consideration, if you're running FWD only then there will be a lot more engine movement than normal. This is because all the reactive torque will be channelled across the engine/ transmission assembly, in order to drive the front wheels. If you were in 4x4 then a share of this reaction torque will be handled by the rear diff.

Another check to perform. The gear stick pivot point is on a sliding plate that is referenced to the transmission case by a strap. This stops the movement in the engine from pulling the car out of gear. Check all is well with this.

also forgot to mention that after a while i.e engine hot it doesnt do it at all???drove about hour and half yesterday and no crunch at all???

I had the same situaton when I went 2wd because of vcu problems.
When I went back to 4wd all was well and still is.
Possibly no resistance on output shaft when in 2wd?

the best solution would be get the gearbox off,while your at it if its nearing timingbelt renual .check your tiMing belt -change / check the bearing tensioner .

Stupid qu, but did they put the wrong grade of gear oil in it!! if its ok when hot (ie when oil is thinner)