Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 5th gear gone

[HCanales]

Greetings,

Recently I was driving down the hwy and 5th gear went out. I shifted to 5th gear and it did nothing. I know its a common thing but, can I torque it back on? Perhaps I could tack weld it or use a good lock-tite. Also, can I repair it on the truck? Thanks in advance

 

[Timebomb]

Yes in most cases it can be repaired wile on the truck, though some work will be required to get to the 5th gear. You must remove the transfercase ( If 4x4) once that is removed you will see the extension housing that is bolted to the back of the trans. It is held on by I think 8 12 point metric bolts. Of course removing the extention housing will cause the fluid to come out , so make sure you drain it or youll have a mess. (Llyod knows all about this... LOL) sorry had to say it. Once the extension housing is off you will be able to see the 5th gear nut and the gear (the smaller top gear) most likley it is backed off. Just clean it up really well with break clean and slide the gear back on and use loctite when putting the nut back on. Some people also peen the threads with a punch so the nut has a harder time backing off. Hope this helps.

 

[HCanales]

Thanks a million! You saved me a lot of guess work, so now I know what has to be done and I can quit procrastinating. I have no idea why this happened, I guess Dodge makes it and Cummins shakes it! Thanks Timebomb

 

[wildmanben]

I have had this happen 2 times already. First time the nut just backed off and put a new nut on and away we go. Didnt weld it, just loctite... The second time I broke the teeth off the gear. Glad I didnt weld the nut on there or it would have cost me a shaft too. Lots of loctite and air hammered the nut on is still holding for me.

 

[woodsrat]

Check the exstenion cover good. Last time mine came off it hit so hard that it cracked the case. Did not notice it till it warmed up and the crack expanded. This was a very fine hairline crack but poured the oil out once hot. I welded mine on last time because I was tired of messing with it been that way for over 100,000 now.

Chuck

 

[WDaniels]

HCanales,

I could tell you why the 5th gear nut comes off but then I'd have to kill you. :-laf Just kidding, go to Home and they can tell you far better than I can.

WD

 

[BTighe]

take a good look at the shaft too. my truck had the upgraded nut job done before i bought it but the gear had worn half way through the splines on the shaft. looked like it would fail any moment but held till i sold her.