Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard to get 5 spd in Gear

[Sean Flanagan]

As my trusty truck enters middle-age, it is starting to show a few signs of 1000+ ft-lbs of torque going through it's little 450ft-lb rated 5 speed. At about 160k miles the thing started to get very difficult to put in gear when stopped. Sometimes, nearly impossible. Other than that, it shifts fine once its moving. It's had it's expensive magical mystery oil changed every 50k miles or so. The clutch master/slave cylinders appear to be working correctly. The clutch was replaced at 90k with a South Bend O-FE, along with the usual pilot bearing and clutch release bearing.



Any ideas what else to look for?

 

[SRadke]

Is it difficult to get into any gear or just the low gears? I'm tempted to believe your clutch is dragging.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I had a SBC clutch do the same thing. It was dragging. Called Peter and he took care of it. Excellent customer service.



Dan

 

[Sean Flanagan]

It is more difficult to get in 1st than the higher gears.



I think the dragging thing might be correct. Sometimes after I finally get it in gear, If I do not have my foot on the brake the truck will barely creep forward.



Do you think South Bend will stand behind it even after about 18 months?

 

[Sageair]

after you check the fluid level in your clutch master cylinder here is the easy fix. Take the rod out of your clutch slave cylinder,go to the hadware store and get some round stock that is the same diameter. Cut a piece about 1/4 inch longer than your stock rod.

round off the ends real pretty and slap her in. You'll be farhting thru silk!!

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I don't know if he would or not. Give him a call.

 

[John Berger]

Peter is pretty good on customer service... but that is a long time. Call him. The worst you can hear is no.



Sageair, farting thru silk. that's an interesting picture at lunchtime.



:-laf

 

[NWinnie]

Pilot bearing/bushing!

I've got the same problem. The clutch was replaced (along with the getrag trans) several miles back with a centerforce. The job was done by a very reputable shop in NH. The pilot bearing was replaced with a kevlar bushing. The trans now acts as if the clutch drags. However, it only is a problem in the morning when the truck is cold. With my foot off the brake, on level ground, I start the truck in first, and the thing moves foreward. I've done some research and found that over time the bushing starts to drag on the pilot shaft of the trans. This would cause the illusion of a dragging clutch. Maybe a worn pilot bearing will have the same effect.