Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard shifting 6 spd

[ROGER/DODGER]

Took the truck over to the dealer today and described to the service honco that my 6 spd was getting harder to get into reverse and 1st gear. But could be put into these gears with with two fingers if the engine is off. Second is getting a little harder also. If I let out the clutch at a light in neutral and then put it in gear it is a little harder that it used to be to slip it in rapidly. The wrench at the dealer said that it was definatily the clutch. I talked with Peter at South Bend Clutch and he said he was sure it was the syncro in the transmission and the clutch was fine!

Any body else out there with experiance along these lines ?

It has 70000 mi. and the clutch is pretty much been babied. The trany is running Red Line oil, 30000 mi. ago. All the other gears are fine going down the road. I side with the syncro's going south !! :{

 

[daveshoe]

You described my problem exactly. 2002 at 31000 miles

 

[Silver_Ram]

I experienced this at about 22,000 miles & again at about 43,000 miles. I found that changing the transmission oil cured my problems. I use the factory synthetic fluid and have found that after 20,000 miles my transmission wants new oil. I decided to listen to it & will be changing the oil every 20,000 miles.



Good Luck,



Troy

 

[Hemiless]

Troy,



You had better double check but everything I have read says that the factory fluid is not synthetic fluid, just a regular dino blend.

 

[Silver_Ram]

The las time I bought it, i'm pretty sure it said synthetic on the bottle. I also think the fluid was packaged by New Venture for Dodge. I'll have to watch when I change again in 2,000 miles.

 

[Dieselram]

I would Def. check the fluid. . My was just a little bit low and caused the hard shifting

 

[98rammer]

Straight6Jeff has the same problem... none of the aftermarket stuff, just use the stock fluid.

 

[Dkuhlman]

Took the truck over to the dealer today and described to the service honco that my 6 spd was getting harder to get into reverse and 1st gear. But could be put into these gears with with two fingers if the engine is off. Second is getting a little harder also. If I let out the clutch at a light in neutral and then put it in gear it is a little harder that it used to be to slip it in rapidly. The wrench at the dealer said that it was definatily the clutch. I talked with Peter at South Bend Clutch and he said he was sure it was the syncro in the transmission and the clutch was fine!

Any body else out there with experiance along these lines ?

It has 70000 mi. and the clutch is pretty much been babied. The trany is running Red Line oil, 30000 mi. ago. All the other gears are fine going down the road. I side with the syncro's going south !! :{

Roger, the symptoms you describe seem to point to the input shaft still turning (with some force) when the clutch is depressed and the engine is running. Causes could include:



o Clutch mechanism not fully disengaging the clutch

o Clutch disk dragging on flywheel and pressure plate

o Pressure plate/throw out bearing worn

o Pilot bearing dry



Continued/worsening hard shifting like this will wear the syncronizers as well. Another clue is to try a slightly more delibarate pause at neutral on the 1-2 shift. This is similar to a clutchless shift. If it slips into 2nd easier you may indeed have a clutch related problem.



I agree with using good synthetic oil in the transmission as well.



Good luck,



Don

 

[amillstream]

Mines getting harder to get into 1st and reverse too but, shifting between gears is still pretty smooth. 115000 miles and fluid hasn't been changed since I've owned it. (bought at 30000) Maybe I should try changing the fluid.

 

[Hohn]

Redline MTL fixed all my shifting problems.....

Change it every 20K-25K



Justin

 

[mhenon]

Change the transmission fluid!!

If you've got 30k on the same fluid. . you might want to change it out and see what happens. Mine got tuff to shift at 20k or so and an oil change (Pennzoil Synchromesh) fixed it right up.

Mike

 

[daveshoe]

It is my understanding that Pennzoil is the factory fluid equivalent. Is there any place like a national chain to buy it ,or do I have to go to a Pennzoil distribution center?

 

[the whale dog]

I just installed a nv5600 in my 98. 5 2500 the brand new transmission was hard to shift out of the box called Dan at Quad 4x4 where I purchased the transmission kit and was told to check the bushing or attachment point at the clutch pedal to the clutch rod it is well worn and will be replaced on tuesday I installed a temp shim and the problem went away the truck has 131 k miles on it might be worth a look Kevin

 

[Silver_Ram]

I know that Autozone carries Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid.

 

[DMcLeod]

Anyone used the Pennzoil product or other non-synthetic in arctic conditions? The book says the factory fluid works well down to -40F. My 6spd has seen about 85,000 miles and I have an annoying clash from 2nd to 3rd (seems to be gradually getting worse and I notice it most during the first few shifts when it's cold). I moved to Fairbanks, AK and have to start it in the cold occasionally (down to -50F so far). I've run Amsoil 5W30 for a few years and it's working well - just keeping my eye out for something better. I'm afraid to use a non-synthetic. I've run synthetics in everything all my life. I'll probably change the fluid soon and see if that helps (it's been about 25,000miles since I last changed it. )

 

[jeepit]

I've noticed that mine is getting a little stubborn going in to 2nd after clutch has been left out at a stop. I just need to pull a little harder but it goes in. If I start from 1st and shift to 2nd it is fine. I have about 28,000 on it so I will try changing out the fluid and see what happens.

 

[Silver_Ram]

I called three different dealers in my area concerning the factory transmission fluid. I got the same answer from each one. They say the factory fluid is a Synthetic Blend. One of the parts guys I talked to said he wasn't sure who packaged it for them.

 

[TexasRam3500]

Rodger; I have the very same problem with my 6 sp as you decribed in your note. I have too been told its either the syncros or a clutch adjustment problem. I fight with 2nd and reverse (especially reverse) on a regular basis but not all the time. This makes troubleshooting difficult. The transmission always seems to be on its best behavior when a mechanic drives it. I have had the fluid changed with the correct Dodge fluid as well as added red line. This problem has plaqued my truck since 20K miles, currently have 62K. I hope we can find a solution soon!

 

[NVR FNSH]

My truck has the same shifting difficulties: DC replaced the mainshaft in the original trans - no change, put in a new trans - no change, put limited slip addititive into the new trans - biggest improvement but only lasted a week, I switched to RedLine MTL - no change. Based on the trans being replaced my money is on the clutch but I haven't gotten around to pulling the transmission myself since DC says "that's the way it's supposed to shift" and I don't have any place to work on truck - it won't it in my garage..... The dealer says they checked the clutch when the trans was out but I'm not sure I believe them.



Brian

 

[ROGER/DODGER]

Something weird latley, is the dam thing is starting to shift normal again, now that I bought a new S. D. set up and it's sitting on the work bench.