SteinOnkel wrote:On my journey home I discovered that 5th only pops out on downslopes. On level ground or uphill you couldn't pull it out with both hands. On downgrades, the pressure of one finger is enough. So I am thinking some new mounts are in order. There are two engine mounts and one transmission mount, yes?
Yes, two engine mounts up front, and one transmission mount at the rear of the transmission. Not too hard to replace, but let me know if you want advice. I just did these on my '71.
As for your 5th gear issue, it sounds to me like either one of two possibilities: Either the shifter linkages are worn and not pushing the 5th gear "sliding hub" fully onto the gear, or the gears or hubs are worn and you're slipping back out of 5th.
Check first to make sure your shift lever isn't being hindered by either the outer vinyl cover or the inner rubber seal, and pushing the lever back out of 5th gear.
-Bryan