I have an 01 SS completely stock with only 76,000 miles. Gears 1-4 work perfectly but when I go into 5th sometimes it grinds and sometimes it pops out into neutral. Sometimes it locks when in 5th and I have trouble going into any other gear. It locks while driving and when it's off. When it's off it seems I can't go into 6th. I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me. Do you recommend me to rebuild the tranny or is it something more simple that I can check and replace?

 

Probably Broken synchro keys in the 5-6 synchro.
Could also have broken 5-6 shift fork pads.

Either way you'll need to open up the transmission, or at least take off the tailhousing while in the car and do a quick repair until time/funds are available for a full rebuild.

 

How much am I looking on spending?

 

If you take the trans out yourself, tick does a nice level II rebuild for $1200 (shipping included).

http://www.tick-performance.com/tick...ackages/fbody/

I also had a local builder quote me $1800 for everything (removal/install/new bearings/parts)

 

Is it hard to replace the 5th & 6th synchros and fork pads without removing the tranny and just removing the tailhousing?

 

It's so easy to remove the t56 i would just pull it and open the tailshaft and fix it.

 

How hard is it to remove the 5th and 6th synchros and pads? Do I need any special tools and do you recommend me having a shop doing it and rebuilding the whole tranny?

 

Read the t56 rebuild thread. It is not difficult if you are mechanically inclined. All you need is a gear puller from Auto zone or the like and a piece of pvc pipe to seat the gears back in place.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll check the rebuild thread

 

Since I'm thinking of just rebuilding the tranny what else is recommended to change as far as the cylinder, clutch, etc.

 

I would suggest replacing the slave cylinder and pilot bearing if they are the original ones.

 

Around how much am I looking to spend for the slave cylinder and the pilot bearing? Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I have everything ready before I have the tranny rebuild.