Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard Shifting

[emjay]

Now THAT makes sense! Thanks, Bob!

 

[shakey]

I am having the same problem, I just bought a 99QC 5spd in june and shifting was smooth as silk, now that it is getting colder it is extremely difficult until I drive the truck for a while. It is definitly the clutch not disengaging all the way it actually makes the whole truck jerk when upshifting, until I drive for about 10-15 min then it is fine. Tis is driving me crazy!!! the only difference is my truck has 70k on it and stock clutch. Has any one figured this out yet???

 

[emjay]

Since the problem you describe is temperature related, I'll bet it's the lube. I'm sure there are plenty of opinions out there, perhaps someone can chime in on a good cold-weather gear oil. Like I said before, if the oil is too thick or slippery, the synchros can't do their job. In my experience, synthetic gear oil provides stability over a wider temperature range. I don't even want to get involved in an oil flame war, that's just MHO. You can try double-clutching when it's cold, that should make it easier.



Good Luck!

 

[shakey]

No it's definitely not lube it is the clutch not disengaging all the way (like it is sticking ) until I drive it for a little bit then it is fine

 

[rickhans]

I have the same problem with 1st and reverse. Sometimes to get into reverse have to go to 2nd ease out the clutch then back in to get into reverse. The majority of the time it is very hard. Sometimes I have to start in 2nd because it won't go into 1st. It did this when new but gradually got better by around 40,000 miles. Dealer did not see anything wrong early on. Started being a problem at around 65k miles. I intend to take it in to get it looked at under warranty.



As to the hydraulics, NAPA has a slave cylinder and probably master too. There were several postings about it in 2001. The price is reasonable and all who wrote about it said it decreased pedal pressure by somewhere around 50% as I recall. The NAPA slave cylinder had a much larger diameter piston which resulted in this effect.

 

[Chipstien]

I had a Ford that would ever so slightly when the clutch was engaged and it ended up being the shift fork was bent. However the Ford was mechanical and the Dodges in question are hydraulic. As already stated the hydraulic system will reset themselves unless they are flexing. I would spend the 100 bucks on replacing the slave and master cylinder, then if that doesn't do it... ..... possibly a flexing shift fork. JMHO.

Ps. Glad I don't have to worry about this.

 

[shakey]

Thanks guys, I'm going to investigate a little more & see what I can come up with. :--)

 

[John Berger]

My truck seems to be shifting better. I just made a trip to Martinsville and back, towing the 5'ver, almost a thousand miles. Shifted great. There was the same difficulty going into second at times, but it was smooth the second time I tried, every time I needed two attempts to go into second from neutral. It's been as smooth as silk since we got home. I'm suspecting that it is/was improper clutch engagement/disengagement. I guess time will tell.

 

[CRegal]

I have the EXACT same problem. It started after I installed the con OFE. It took a while to start the hard shifting, but I have found a way to deal with it. When it wont go into reverse or second, I found that it will always go into 5th. I put it in 5th slip the clutch a lil then shift it into 2nd or reverse quickly. If that doesnt work, I shut it down and put it in gear & fire it back up. It is a bit annoying when ur at a traffic lite & it wont go into gear, so I have been just keeping the clutch depressed in 2nd gear till its time to go. Anyone see any problems in doing that? If so, I will have to try that new master cylinder & slave.

 

[John Berger]

There is a post around here somewhere that was started by South Bend Clutch on this shifting problem. It's interesting that it happens with new SBC clutches. Maybe it's a break in thing. Mine seems to be getting better as time goes on. The damn thing sure is grabby, though.



Another consideration: Lately, I've been starting out in first gear, all the time. No particular reason for doing this other than to use the gear so it doesn't get lonely. Shifting is improved. I noticed smoother shifting after I had towed on long trips. Guess what I always do when towing the 5'ver? 1st gear starts.