Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 6spd Shifts harder as it warms

[DMather]

6 spd 2wd When cold transmission shifts easy in all 6 plus reverse. After it has run for a while (on road) shifts in forward gears have a bit of resistance to them.



Putting into gear from neutral gets even more fun and sometimes reverse is almost impossible.



Clutch master/slave seem to be in good running order, proper fluid levels and no leaks. Not hearing any abnormal sounds from anything in the drive train but I'm thinking possibly throwout bearing.



Any other thoughts?

 

[JKinney]

A leaking front transmission seal?

 

[DMather]

Pavement is clean under the vehicle. (even under the breather!)



I haven't checked the transmission fluid level since it was changed but there are no signs of any leaks so I 'assume' it's ok. (I think I will check, just to be sure that it's not something that stupid )

 

[steved]

Replace the fluid!!

It sounds like the fluid has sheared to the point it is causing you issues... I have the same problem, only in about 10k miles.

I would recommend Amsoil as it has proved to be the best fluid of the (Redline, royal purple, amsoil, pennzoil) fluids I have tried.

steved

 

[DiTrani]

I would certainly try replacing the fluid, but with that many miles (assuming you haven't rebuilt/replaced the transmission), your syncros might just be gone.



I've been using RedLine MTL (straight, no added MT90), and I have the opposite problem. Shifts better than ever warm, but really hard when cold.

 

[steved]

I've been using RedLine MTL (straight, no added MT90), and I have the opposite problem. Shifts better than ever warm, but really hard when cold.

I had the same issues with Redline MTL, changing to Amsoil MTF did make a difference in cold weather performance. Redline worked well in worm weathe, but it didn't like anything below 20*F and wasn't much better than OE fluid in cold temps. IIRC, Redline MTL is slightly heavier than Amsoil MTF, enough it might make a difference.



steved

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Have had my Royal Purple in for 100,000 mi without changing. When cold 4th gear is just slightly tricky, all other gears work great; when barely warmed up even 4th is not a problem.

Highly recommend it, shifts much better than stock fluid.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[steved]

Have had my Royal Purple in for 100,000 mi without changing. When cold 4th gear is just slightly tricky, all other gears work great; when barely warmed up even 4th is not a problem.



Highly recommend it, shifts much better than stock fluid.



Godspeed,

Trent

See, I had problems with Royal Purple... it went in great and within 500 miles, I had to force it into and out of gear. Even the second fill did that... flushed with Redline and everything was fine...



I wish the Royal Purple had worked, it shifted SO nice at first.



steved