5th Gear Gone? . . . Help!

[vjohn346]

I was traveling in the Black Hills to do some skiing this morning and I had just been on the interstate about 10 minutes. I was in cruise at about 75MPH in 5th gear.



Then, the RPM's hit redline, the cruise kicks of and there are no noises of any kind. I can move the shifter to the 5th gear spot and it feels like it always did but theres nothing there, it's like neutral. I called Dodge and they said $700 and most likely a backing nut came off of the 5th gear. All other gears work great, so I know it's not the clutch. Has any one else heard of this backing nut problem? We have alot of snow so this needs to fixed very soon, I need to get to work and school.



Any help would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Vance

 

[andrewkoperdak]

a thread that might help

VJ, Here is a thread talking about the nut coming lose. Hope this helps. Look at TARDOGs comments

Andy



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=35558&highlight=NV4500

 

[Deezul1]

Welcome to the 5th gear club. This a very common problem. Do a search on 5th gear and you will find a wealth of info on how to fix it. $700. 00? Idont think so. All that is needed is to remove the tail housing, I forgot to look is it 4x4 if so its a little harder. The nut holding 5th gear onto the shaft backs off and the gear just floats. Dodge has a revised nut (4th revision?) . Get that and follow the instructions found on the TDR and it will cost you $50. 00. I drove mine 700 miles with no 5th and there was no damage at all. I got a BIG magnet and stuck it on the side of the trans to grab any shavings and there wernt any after 700 miles so dont panic just drive it till you can fix it. I have read of members towing big 5th wheels 1500 miles to get home before fixing it also.

Good Luck

 

[vjohn346]

Thanks for the help Deezul 1 and AKoperdak. I'll do a search on the fix, I was sure that I would have to remove the transmission. You made my night. I was looking through the Technical Service Bulletins and noticed there was a 14 page bulletin that describes the proper repair procedure. Does anyone know how I can get a hold of that?



Thanks again,

Vance

 

[1tuffram]

Originally posted by vjohn346

Thanks for the help Deezul 1 and AKoperdak. I'll do a search on the fix, I was sure that I would have to remove the transmission. You made my night. I was looking through the Technical Service Bulletins and noticed there was a 14 page bulletin that describes the proper repair procedure. Does anyone know how I can get a hold of that?



Thanks again,

Vance

I believe Fritz's web site has the complete TSB you can download and print. Sorry but can't remember the web address, I'm sure another member will post it.



PS: From what I have read the cheaper "nut revision" fix is only temparary and eventually you are back to where you're at now. You might want to consider the "permanent" fix and call standard transmission or one of the vendors here (Enterprize I think??)

 

[TNT]

Fritz's web address

Here is Fritz's web address:Fritz Hope this is what you were looking for.

 

[Deezul1]

The bulletproof fix is a new mainshaft with full length 5th gear splines and its available from Standard Transmission and Enterprise Eng and maybe a few others. The main shaft from S. T. is about $450 plus installation so $700 for the dealer for a non permanent repair sucks. Only replace the nut if you do it your self and need to save money as you will do it again someday for sure, otherwise go with the mainshaft replacement.

 

[JR2]

My Dad had his repaired at a dealership that did it with out dropping the transmission. I can not remember all the details but something about going in through the PTO cover. I do remember that the torque on the nut was like 1500 ft/lbs and that once it was torqued on there was a set screw that had to be torqued to 250 ft/lbs. Good luck and if you do a little reading on here and Daves site you will be in good hands.

 

[vjohn346]

Thanks for the help guys. Does anyone know what the parts involved would cost, including the special tools?



Vance

 

[B9Mile]

Here is the Standard Transmission & Gear write-up.



http://www.standardtransmission.com/dodge.html

 

[vjohn346]

How about the prices for the 6984 splined mainshaft tool and the 6743 nut wrench? I tried finding these online but I guess Chrysler has no parts website other than the Mopar Replacement Parts. That site won't work since I don't need an air filter or wiper blades. Anyone know of a good Dodge parts pricelist?



Vance

 

[B9Mile]

You might try here:

http://www.spxmiller.com/



Sometime in the past, someone posted a source for these things. I don't remember just where though.

 

[vjohn346]

I just finished getting to the transmission, took the tailshaft off and sure enough, the 5th gear nut was off. Thanks for all the help and I guess I'll get the updated one and torque that bad boy on there.



Vance