Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5-speed transmission problem

[sfritts]

I have a noise that is showing up when in fifth gear. It seems to show up when I'm pulling a slight grade with no other load than a empty truck. If I push in the clutch and let it coast still in 5th it goes away and comes back as soon as I let the clutch out. The other 4 gears aren't making noise yet!!! I had the 5th gear nut fixed 2 years ago oil level is OK any Ideas on this would be helpful

 

[Jff24Gordn]

What kind of noise?

 

[sfritts]

sounds like two gears that aren't quite lined up right or maybe a rough bearing

 

[bmoeller]

Could be the imfamous 5th gear problem.



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/21-10-98a.htm



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/21-10-98a_r.htm

 

[Jff24Gordn]

5th gear nut is an all or nothing problem, if it went bad, 5th aint there. If it is still livivng very long with noise, it aint a bearing, they tend to die pretty quickly after they go bad. It could be shaft endplay. Once you get enough wear the shaft will move back and forth and 5th counter will grind on the mainshaft rear bearing retainer plate. When you apply power in 5th, the counter shaft pulles foreward, when it pushes back in all of the other gears.

 

[Utah Willie]

I have to disagree with the fifth gear going out all at once. Mine went out twice and each time is was noticed to jump out of gear on a downhill with the E-brake on. The first time it was supposed to be fixed, it jumped under load on the uphill a couple times and on the down almost every time... . with a load. The second time... it was fixed... and it was jumping on the down with no load on the truck. Fortunately... both repairs were well within the waranty period.