2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Manual Transmission Boot

[n7nsl]

I'm a proud owner of an 1996 Dodge diesel that is in the process of refurbishment. I'm looking for a source for the inner transmission boot used on the manual transmission. Any clues?

Ted Ivester
La Grande, Oregon

 

[HHhuntitall]

Nope..... LMC truck had a listing last year, but they were backordered, and finally cancelled..... I've made one from a high quality vinyl, like an ATV seat, for a customer, and had a buddy at an upholstery shop sew it up for me.... It's been ok so far.... I screwed it down under the old rubber retaining ring for the inner boot, trimming off the excess.... If anyone else has a source, please speak up!!

 

[n7nsl]

HHhuntitall,
Thanks for the reply. I believe that you are referring to what I would call the outer boot (for lack of a better name). Mine is in great shape. It is the inner rubber boot that I'm in search for. So far not luck.

I'm having a lot of fun with the 1996 Dodge that I bought from my good friend. The engine has about 60K on it. The odometer shows 182K. I've replaced all of the whirly things like alternator, etc. Put in a new clutch and had the N-4500 rebuilt. Also had the gears changed from 4.11 to 3.73, making better at pulling my trailer at a reasonable RPM. Have installed an AFE air intake housing and installed the appropriate TST torque plate. It now really enjoys pulling the grades with my trailer!

Ted Ivester
La Grande, Oregon

 

[HHhuntitall]

Ted,

Nope.... the lower, or bottom rubber boot that keeps the water and such out is what I was referring, too. I know of no available sources, so a little ingenuity is required.... I don't like the heat blowing out around the upper boot when driving down the road, let alone any water or dirt that can come up in the cab, as well.

Glad you're liking it. The only new truck I've ever owned personally was a '96 extended cab 2x4 2500.... I loved that thing. Killed it like an idiot racing in the rain, one night.... But I bought another one just like it, and drove it 290k on top of the 89k it had on it when I got it in 2000..... I sold it to a buddy who put a flatbed on it and keeps it under a trailer. Also bought a '97 4x4 3500 that I still have, and it just won't die!! First engine went 189k before I pulled it due to a cracked head, smoked transmission, and the fact I found a low mileage mid-range engine out of a Furd F650. Add a NV5600, rebuilt T-case, DewEze bale bed, and locking hubs, and she's a workhoss. That engine has 250k on it, now. I kept the 3.54 gears in all mine, I just upped the fueling and air flow, so I don't have any problems pulling much of anything legal..... Occasionally, I might run out of radiator, but only when I keep it above 40lbs boost or so for too long..... It's hard to beat those old 12v engines, even with a stick!!!

 

[n7nsl]

HHhuntitall,

Can't imagine running out of radiator. I just baby my stuff. When pulling a grade where full throttle is required, I just downshift and back of the throttle and keep the boost below 20lbs. With regard to the inner boot, I have patched the holes using rubber from an inner tube and vulcanized on both sides. It looks pretty tidy. The smaller cracks were covered this silicone sealant. I'll check it yearly while figuring out a permanent solution.

Thanks again for your suggestions and comments!

Ted
La Grande, Oregon

 

[jimduchek]

I have done a lot of searching for inner boot replacements... The part is long out of production, noone has any NOS, noone makes a repro, and most junkyard specimens are in as bad of shape as the one you want to replace. Not good. Your best bet is to try and repair the one you have. Luckily, it's an 'invisible' part so as long as it keeps the wind/noise out, your patches can look terrible and noone will know but you.

 

[n7nsl]

jimduchek,

Thanks for the response. I've come to the same conclusion with regard to finding a replacement inner boot. I believe that the patch job will hold, at least for a while. Maybe I'll try to duplicate HHhuntitall's technique in the future.

He Who Loves His Rattlecan,

Ted
La Grande, Oregon

 

[HHhuntitall]

If I get mine tore apart, I'll see if I can get a pick for your guys... won't be anytime soon. Not much goes wrong with it.....

Rattlecan Lover, 1st class

 

[bboxall]

I made a boot out of a section of motorcycle tire inner tube. Cut a 6-8" section of inner tube and put one end under the flange and 4 bolts that hold the shift tower. Poke holes in the inner tube for the bolts. Then gather the other end of the inner tube around the shifter and put a hose clamp on it. You are then done!
The inner tube in 10 times more durable than the original boot.