Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard Shift

[jeepit]

At times it can be hard to get truck into 1st gear and reverse. It shifts great going down the road but at a standstill is where I notice this problem.

Any ideas?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Sounds like the clutch plate is not stopping when you depress the pedal. How far up does the pedal come when you do get it in gear before the truck moves? Could be pilot bearing binding up or slave cylinder just not moving the clutch fork far enough. It shifts easier when moving because the gears will come to the same speed naturally at a certain point when you shift. The synchronizier rings are keeping it from going into gear while sitting still because the clutch plate is not stopped turning. bg

 

[jeepit]

BGSmith, Truck seems to come on more quickly after releasing pedal. Like there is not much play in it.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Don't think there is any adjustment in the slave cylinder, just make sure the master cylinder for the clutch is full of brake flluid. bg

 

[HBarlow]

Some difficulty in shifting the NV-5600 into first or reverse is normal. Mine did it when new and for it's entire life but that can be a symptom of a failing clutch cylinder or clutch assembly as BG Smith wrote above.

Your post #3 was not clear to me. Are you saying that the clutch engagement point is very close to the floor and closer than it formerly was? That is another useful piece of information that is needed.

 

[Wiredawg]

Mine is that way now... change your transmission fluid. I'm doing mine this weekend. Mine needs changing every 30K miles.



Wiredawg

 

[jeepit]

Some difficulty in shifting the NV-5600 into first or reverse is normal. Mine did it when new and for it's entire life but that can be a symptom of a failing clutch cylinder or clutch assembly as BG Smith wrote above.



Your post #3 was not clear to me. Are you saying that the clutch engagement point is very close to the floor and closer than it formerly was? That is another useful piece of information that is needed.

It seems to be engaging closer to the floor than it use to.

 

[HBarlow]

Your clutch hydraulics may be failing which would not allow full release of the clutch when the pedal is down or the pilot bushing could be dry and binding which would keep the transmission input shaft spinning after the clutch is released.

You need a clutch expert to examine it which may require pulling the transmission.

You've said only that occasionally it is difficult to shift into first or reverse. I don't know if that means a minor inconvenience or a severe limitation on shifting the transmission into gear.

If you ease the clutch out just enough to spin the input shaft a small amount and try again does it improve? How about if you shift into second or third first then into first or reverse?

All NV-5600s are a little difficult to shift into first or reverse on occasion and the process can be eased by the above tricks but if the clutch is not being fully engaging it will become almost impossible to shift into first or reverse while stopped. That will mean repair is in order.

 

[jeepit]

HBarlow,

If I shift into 2nd and move the truck slightly it will go into 1st easier.

 

[HBarlow]

Jeepit,

That is reasonable. Most owners do that occasionally to make it easier to shift into first or reverse. There may be nothing wrong with your clutch and transmission.

On the other hand, if you are absolutely unable to shift into first or reverse without using second you may have something needing replacement.

Can you get another TDR member to compare your truck to his?

 

[jeepit]

I plan to change the transmission fluid next weekend to see if that will help. I have Amsoil in it now that has been in for 50,000 miles. Hydraulics are full.

Buddy of mine has a 94 but he has an SBC in it. Don't know that would be a good comparison. I'll try to locate somebody else. Any members in eastern Wisconsin with a 6 speed?