6 Speed is sloppy in shifting

[WM-300]

I have a new 2003 Ram with HO/6 speed. I am used to nice crisp manual trannies such as the NV-4500 and older ones on my Power Wagons. The 6 Speed in my new Ram simply feels lously/sloppy. It shifts like there is a rubber isolation on the shifter ??? Its easy to miss 4th and hit 2nd. Poor feel. Is this normal or a possible problem? Will the short shift kit take care of this and give a nice crisp shift ?



Thanks

Paul

 

[TBOB]

shifting

I've had 2 six speeds, both were fine. 4th gear if you let go gear shift will center and then straight back to 4th or up for third. if you learn to let it find the center on it's own, you will to get it in all gears easily. I think you should sit in the garage and shift it setting still, remember to take it out of gear while waiting at a stop light, pilot bearing saver. and take your foot off the clutch. TBOB

 

[gpeddicord]

SHIFTING

I put Amsoil 10w30 in my 6 speed and it seems to shift easier. My . 02

 

[MO'Donnell]

Took some time for me to get used to my 6-speed, and it seems to shift smoother now after 10k miles. One thing this transmission does not seem to like is speed shifting - it's a big, HD truck transmission not a short-throw sports car transmission and reminds me of it every time I try to hurry the 2-3 shift

 

[amsoilman]

I have to agree with TBOB, and I also installed Amsoil in mine. IT shifts very NICE!



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[bulabula]

If my transmission has ever given me trouble, its been going into 3rd and 5th; but I must say that I was probably the biggest cause for that and not the transmission.



I too changed to Amsoil at about 18k due to the transmission being sticky shifting into 3rd. It shifts great now. I put in 5W-30.



I've enjoyed short shifters on Mustangs and the like, but am not sure if a short shifter is really necessary on our trucks.

 

[lil red cummins]

also ditto with tbob on how to find the gates

jim

 

[rbattelle]

WM-300,



Echo those who recommend changing the transmission fluid - to whatever.



I notice in your signature you have "Jake" listed. What is that? Do you mean "Jake Brake"? I thought Jake brakes were not available for these engines!?

 

[WM-300]

Jake

Jacobs Exhaust Brake, from what I have read the only one approved by Dodge.



Paul

 

[rbattelle]

Oh! Okay.

 

[Dean Upson]

Mine has been a dream to shift ever since I figured out the pattern .



Dean

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

My 02 took some getting use to. I often hit 5th instead of third. My 04 definately seems smoother, plus the experience gained from poking the 02.