5 spd transmission has 3/4 in movement in stick shift under load,

[Weatherman]

I have a 1999 Ram with about 34500miles on it, When pulling my RV the 5 speed shifter is moving about 3/4" going from load to coast in third gear Only. If I am not pulling something the shifter has no movemnt. This is occuring only under load and third gear only. the other1,2,4,and 5 gears show now movement. I have had two Dodge transimission men check out the problem, their comment is it dosn't appear normal, but no one will commit to fix the problem under Warranty, the just keep passing the buck. Can anyone respond, as to how much movement in the stick is normal(Not motor mount movememt) in third Gear from load to coast. When not pulling a load, with the transmission in 3rd gear between 1500 and 1700 RPM I can lay my hand on the gear shift and feel a movement being transfered up the shaft(clunk) from power loaded to coast (no load/throttle released)

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Which direction is this movement? I will hook onto my trailer tomorrow and see if mine moves. I believe it does.



Will you try something with yours? Drive downhill (the steeper the better) unloaded and let it coast in third about 30mph. Then give it some throttle and back out. See if the trans throws out of gear. Mine did that until I hit about 40-45k miles, and then it went away. Don't ask me how, it just did. The trans gurus also told me not to worry about it, but I wondered...



Starting with the 99s, the five speeds had different synchros to help avoid the synchro problems of the older 5 speeds. Who knows if it is related or not.