Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 5th Gear Failure

[fbadmaev]

I just got back in town and I read some posts about this problem with manual trucks - KDP, 5th gear failure, what else?



Anyway I go and pick up my truck today from the dodge dealer. My 5th gear went out last week. The dealer said that dodge put out a fix for this problem which involves installing a nut. Unfortunately, after reading TDR posts this is an ongoing problem with manual 5 speads as well as the fix not being a permanent fix - great, something else to worry about. What causes this problem to occur?



Make a long story short, the charge from dealer is $550. Also this fix does not involve anything with the transmission. The service guy said the the parts were $180 alone. That is really an expensive nut.



Has anyone gone thru this? Some previous posts were taklking describing what involves a permanent fix. I didn't really understand everything. My question is what kind of mechanic should be able to fix it again if the 5th gear goes out again and how much does the permanent fix cost and where can I get the parts for the permanent fix as well as the previous described nut?



I don't want to pay $550 again, I am going to try and plan ahead.



Thanks to everyone for their valuable input.

Frank

 

[T. Baker]

I don't know that much but I think the permanent fix is a fully splined main shaft from Standard trasmissions. It is somthing like $150 but putting it in requires dissasembly of the transmission. Do a search and you will know all.

 

[Kernel]

Try getting a hold of Charlan. He has had his 5th gear go out several times. From what I understand, the 5th gear nut is separate from the rest and requires special tools and can get pretty involved. I'm not much of one on transmissions but a TDR search can also get you some good info like T Baker mentioned. Good luck.





Scott

 

[C. Harlan]

Hey Scotty!! Yep, Here I am!!! hehe, yes. . 5 times this year alone, not to include the $2100 fee to get my transmission "Rebuilt" that never happened... The upgraded nut is only like 45 dollars, and should not cost anymore than $300 at an auto shop... keep this in mind, and use it to your advantage when calling around. If they say anything else is wrong, they are most likely trying to get you for more $$... Very unprofessional, but it happened to me. PM me if you have any questions or concerns about your transmission.





-Chris-

 

[gitchesum]

I just lost mine for the second time. The Dodge fix lasted less than 40,000 miles.

Since I'm planning on trading this truck in after Jan 1, I'm just going to put another Dodge fix on it. I can't see spending a grand on a truck I'm only keeping another month.

 

[C. Harlan]

How much ya want for those 370's, Curtis??? I need some for my truck... . then I will be set. well, for a bit... Till I get some $$ for my ATS 3 pc manifold, ported and polished. . Then we will be good to go!



-Chris-

 

[gitchesum]

Sorry dude, they ain't mine. I was just holding them.

 

[fbadmaev]

Hey Charlan the technician at the dealer said that he has replaced a number of these nuts in the last 3 yrs and has never had one return for a re-fix. He said once he puts the nut in place he puts a cut in the nut then a screw into the nut which keeps the nut from coming off again.



I don't see how Dodge can ignore this if this is a recurring problem.



Frank

 

[Champane Flight]

Still on first.

I understand this problem stems from low RPM (under 1700) in fifth gear. Have had no problem with mine YET,... ... ... ... 85000

 

[T. Baker]

From what I have read on this site the best fix is the fully splined main shaft. It is supposed to end all problems.

 

[rdrose]

5th gear fix

i just received my 5th gear shaft sure is pretty have no idea how to put it in but the transmission guy around here said 80 dollars to put it in. the shaft is about 350 with all the hardware. so your saying if i get in 5th gear and don't let it go below 1700 i should be alright. dam i don't think i can drive that slow,i should be good because to and from work it 2200-2500 rpm's

 

[Champane Flight]

Big stick in the middle...

Just use the big stick in the middle of the cab, move it into the #4 hole when you drop below 1700 RPM, about 55mph for those rpm chalenged.

 

[Boomer II]

I've lost my fifth gear twice. The Dodge fix is a nut that is split with a pinch bolt to lock it in place. So far that nut has held, but I don't do a lot of towing. As far as the RPM fifth gear thing is concerned, I don't think the gear should come off for any reason, bad design from the git go.

 

[gitchesum]

I had the lastest Doge fix done to mine the last time. I can count on one had how many times a trailer has been on the back of my truck since the nut was replaced.

I guess it's jsut one of those things. Like changing the oil, you just plan for it.

 

[T. Baker]

Have you guys done a search or do you guys like to take out your trannys and replace things? The fully splined main shaft is the permanent fix! You can run whatever RPM you want in 5th gear.

 

[BV]

5th gear

Hey Guys - It's not the rpm that hammers the nut off the shaft it's lugging the engine in 5th gear at any rpm. At a certain rpm the Cummins does act like a impact wrench and works on the nut a lot harder then at another rpm. The rpm range to avoid lugging in 5th is between 1400-2200 depending on 12/24 valves.



What does this mean - If your pulling/hauling in 5th and push the go pedal and it doesn't speed up then your lugging and need to drop down a gear.



BTW your owners manual probably says not to tow in OD (both auto and manual trans included).

 

[T. Baker]

In other words don't use your Cummins in its best torque and economy range Sorry the transmission we put in won't let you use the cummins for the reason you bought it!

 

[J@NWC]

The full splined mainshaft and a new 5th gear gear (press on fit) and an updated nut is the true fix. (I've lost 5th 3 times the second of which we welded the nut to the shaft after tightening it.

It still BLEW it off. ) I put the mainshaft in my self if you have some one to put it in for $80. 00 it's well worth it IMO. Their's more parts in that little box than you think. I used loctite(red) and like I said a new gear very tight fit updated nut and loctited that. Suposedly this fix is the fix all. no more worrying tow what ever when ever and at whatever RPM.

 

[rdrose]

80.00 dollars

i think 80 dollars is a deal. just wanting for the holidays to past so i can get the transmission out. i also have a brand new clutch waiting to go in. can you say more power #10 here i come and some 3000 gsk, here little psd.

 

[95REDRAM]

RPM level in 5th gear makes no difference on the stock transmission. I religiously ran 4th gear at speeds under 55 MPH, loaded or unloaded, still lost 5th gear at 157,000 mi. I just bit the big one and ordered a rebuild from Standard Transmission. IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU TOO!