5th gear

[dlow]

I have a stock '92 4x4 with a 5 speed transmission. I believe that the transmission was rebuilt about 18 months ago with approx. 150,000 mile on it. Receintly I'm noticing that when in 5th gear, the gear shift lever moves about 1'' forward when I accelerate, and the same distance backwards when I decelerate. Is this anything I should be concerned about? It's not poping out of gear. Also, I just had a pacbrake installed. Would this have any bearing on the shifter moving?



Thanks for any help!



-Dlow

 

[1stgen4evr]

Shifter moving

I would say that you should be concerned. The stick is not supposed to move on acceleration. The gears are helical cut and do impose end load on acceleration but if the shafts are properly running in the bearings, the detent on the shifter rail is sufficient to hold the stick in place. I have seen such behavior on a transmission that was put together out of used parts where the various components had a "run in" spot that mismatched one another. Typically a cap not matching the case. I would also be suspicious of improper bearing preload. (Seriously loose)



I don't know what the pacbrake is but must be the trade name for an exhaust brake and yes again. You introduce the concerns that have been expressed as to loading the drive train to stop the vehicle. There is a price for that benefit. If all is well in the transmission, it is supposed to work. It can not impose these loads in direct.



You have a problem that will only get worse. You can drain the transmission and look in through one of the side covers and determine if the shafts are snug in the bearings. You can check the bottom of the interior and see if there is evidence of metal coming apart somewhere in the transmission. A good many owners are reporting that the 4x4 is a little more than the getrag can handle long range. Carolina Cummins has just completed the rebuild of his Getrag. You might PM him for suggestions. You may only need to reshim the preload. Should you decide to change out the transmission, I would skip the 4500 and go for the 5600. Both have been done and there is info in the forum as to how.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[dusthomps]

Actually, this is interesting to me as my transmission does the same thing. Both before and after rebuild. I know it's been this way for at least 60,000 miles, but I never really bothered to ask about it on here as I didn't think much of it, now I know differently.





Dustin

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Sometimes the stick moves, but that is due to motor mount and trans mount flex. Torque can twist the drivetrain and body.



Does it move in any other gears when applying the throttle? Try resting your hand on it, accelerate, and see if it pulls your hand around. Then try and hold it still. I would think that fifth gear would be kicking out if moving around that much, unless there is something else loose beside the fifth gear assembly.



How much play is there in the stick, with the engine off, in neutral? How much play is there in fifth gear with the engine off?

 

[dlow]

Thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate it.

I don't get any movement in any other gears, just 5th. I'll check the play in the stick when I get off work tonight.

Thanks again!

-Dale

 

[JLEONARD]

I'll check the play in the stick when I get off work

Just don't shake it more than twice... . oh never mind.

Jay