Gutbag Question...

[RSchwarzli]

Now that I am getting accustomed with the gutbag in the 1990, I have a question.



3rd gear. When not under load I can pop it out of gear without the clutch. Is this normal? The other gears I can put no so easily. Kinda feel like they catch more.



transmission has about 250 K on it and was rebuilt about 20K ago.



Second question. Clutch. If I launch in 1t with zero throttle, I get a bit of a hop almost like axle wrap loading and unloading. If I launch with mid throttle, nothing. What causes that? Is it normal? Also kinda hoppy in reverse. Just so low in gearing as well. Is this a flywheel resurface issue? Clutch disk was new 6K ago but flywheel was resurfaced.



Thanks!

 

[JLEONARD]

I'll take a stab at this.

Every manual transmission truck I have ever had I have been able to shift without the clutch.

Came in very handy once when the clutch cable broke on my 81 VW diesel pickup.



When a diesel engine runs each power stroke is very violent. Thus when at idle or at low rpm the transmission can "load" and "unload". That constant change is making that "hoppy" feeling as you stated it.

That is also what the transmission sees when you are towing or hauling while "lugging" the engine.

That is what bearings do not like when under load.

Fortunately when you are at idle they are not under (much) load.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

These trucks with the G360 had a launch shudder right from the get go. The solution - not a total solution - was to address drive line geometry. The problem was fisrt seen on the 4X4s with extended cabs. Dodge used a 1/2" spacer plate between the carrier bearing and the frame. In addition there were angled spacers used on the rear suspension. All of this helped but did not totally eliminate the problem. I would check the carrier bearing to see if it has a spacer and install a 1/2" plate if it does not. This should help but will not totally cure the problem.



Bob

 

[RSchwarzli]

Jay- makes sense!

Bob - no carrier as it is a reg cab. Just strait u joint to u joint.

 

[NIsaacs]

I always figured some of the problem with this loose goose feeling in the 1st. gen. models was the mushy motor mounts. Pop your hood and watch the motor flop around when you back up. I have not noticed it much in the go forward gears.



Nick

 

[Dieselman359]

Getrag Issues

I'd say that you're fine. I think that you'd be able to pull any manual transmission outta gear depending on throttle input... I can't believe that you're giving the truck any throttle in first, you should be able to side-step it in first with no ill effects execpt for a neck-brace!!!

Seriously though, every clutch/transmission is different, I know that with my newer clutch, launches are a lot (more shudder) different than before.