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

[Berrigan]

OK for those of us that have not lost fifth gear "yet" what is the correct driving method to avoid this problem?



Ive heard dont run fifth under 2k



Ive heard its ok to run fifth under 2k as long as your not in the pedal hard



Ive heard its only an issue when towing in fifth.



What do you all think? Bill

 

[WadePatton]

Yep, don't lug it in 5. For that matter don't lug it in any gear. Economy goes down, heat and stress goes up when you lug.

 

[Berrigan]

Wade,



So your saying low rpm cruise in 5th is ok with light pedal?



Bill

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

I'd say if you keep it over 2 grand your odds are better. But it gets to be a hassle though not using 5th below 65mph. . Give me a break... . I just drove mine "normally " and it held for 199k miles. Its no biggie when it lets go. Just pops out of gear. Drive home in 4th and order the upgraded nut. Or better yet ,put the fully splined mainshaft in there and be finished with it.

 

[Deezul1]

Not lugging it in 5th seems to help but there is no clear cut set of do and dont rules. Some have never lost 5th and others have lost it at 50,000 miles and never towed. The full splined main shaft is the only good cure. I replaced the nut on mine with the "new" fix nut and then staked the nut to the shaft with a big center punch and 3lb hammer and it came off again in 8000 miles.

Pics of this in my readers rigs section.