Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lost Overdrive HELP, I'm traveling!

[JesseGray]

On my way across Arizona, there was a sound like taking a transmission out of gear, then the engine revved to higher RPM since I had my foot on the fuel feed.



Now I have no fifth gear or overdrive. Can you tell me what the problem is? How can I correct it on the road?



Is this a mechanical malfunction or is it electrical perhaps?



Your assistance and comments will be appreciated.

 

[RLaJeunesse]

What trans do you auto or manual?

 

[RLaJeunesse]

You say no fifth . So assume standard. Sounds like fifth gear nut fell off. you will have to remove rear trans housing, if its 4wd you will have to remove transfercase.

 

[PToombs]

That sounds like the problem. Typical with a 2nd gen.



You should fill out your signature so people know what you have if you need help.

 

[JesseGray]

Lost Overdrive HELP, I'm Traveling

Thanks guys. This truck is a 1997 2500 2 dr extended cab. It is a manual transmission and no four wheel drive.



I checked all of the fuses and plug ins, and the all seem to be tight and re-seated.



When you shift to fifth gear/overdrive, it acts as if you were in nuetral.



It sounds as if this is not a job to attempt on the shoulder of the interstate.



Thanks for your assistance.

 

[GAmes]

Loss of 5th gear is a very common problem. Mine went at about 96k in ND. I drove back to TX with 4 gears, no problem. Do a search and you will find lots of info and a few different fixes. I think the best one is getting a fully splined mainshaft installed, but that is your call. Nothing electical to fail, it is purely mechanical.

 

[Bob V]

Go to the top of the page and click on "site features", then click on "travel companion" and down load. Call some of the names close to where you are at and ask if they can help you out. It is not a big job, even easier on a 2WD (new nut & washer from Dodge).

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The nut holding fifth gear in position on the back of the mainshaft, inside the aluminum transmission tailhousing, has been knocked out of place by torque and the gear has slid rearwards until the corresponding fifth gear on the cluster shaft of the NV4500 does not engage it. The proper and lasting fix is an aftermarket mainshaft that is fully splined where fifth gear rides, along with a new gear, nut, and snap ring kit. Standard Transmission of Fort Worth, TX has what you need as parts or as a rebuilt transmission; 800-std-tran or Standard Transmission & Gear. The situation and rebuilding procedures were covered in TDR Issues #30 and 31.

It is not practical to perform the repair on the road. Just drive in forth gear until you can get the work done. You may experience premature wear of the thrust washer on the mainshaft, so have that checked also.

 

[hsmith]

That's what happened to mine, Joe. 5th gear repaired a long time ago, then recently during the SB upgrade, had the transmission checked, and the thrust washer and reverse gear were toast.

 

[ronman]

Anyone have the Mopar P/N for the 5th gear repair kit? My '98 2WD which I sold to a good friend lost 5th for second time... First time was around 50K. and I installed repair kit with clamshell clamp which lasted until 133K when it went out on him this weekend. We are going to do the fix this weekend.

 

[JesseGray]

Thank You All, for your comments and advice. Right now it is too hot at roadside to do it my self--grin. But I will have a shop do the work when I get home.



Thank again everyone.



Jesse...