Abstract: A shifting mechanism for a mechanical transmission includes a selector shaft having associated shift forks for engaging or disengaging a selected gear ratio and a control rod directionally coupled to the selector shaft for positive rotation while allowing a predetermined relative axial translation. A cylinder assembly is operatively associated with the selector shaft and control rod to provide a fluid coupling which applies a force on the selector shaft in response to the relative translation between the selector shaft and the control rod to reduce the operator effort required to complete a gear shift.

Abstract: A synchronizer assembly (S) having an axially centered neutral recess (13) and on each axial side of the neutral recess a gear engaging recess (22, 23) is provided. The gear engaging recesses (22, 23) are selectively engageable by a radially outwardly biased detent member (14) mounted in a strut (3) to minimize the tendency of the detent member from causing undue wear to the synchronizer assembly when the synchronizer assembly is in a gear engaging position. Preferably, the gear engaging recesses (22, 23) are shallower than the neutral recess (13).