Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need some advice, slowly upgrading!!!

[xxx_CHiers]

Hi guys, kinda needing some advice. I have a 1998. 5 5 speed with 4. 10 gears and 119,000 miles. Around 85,000 miles, Jannetty Racing in Conn. replaced my clutch with a Stage 2 and added a 4" exhaust and also replaced my 5th gear nut (tack weld). It came off again around 103,000. Garmon Performance in Ga. replaced 2nd time with new teflon nut and added Edge EZ. Recently had problems getting truck to go in gear. When not running, I had no problems getting in gear, but it wouldnt do anything with the motor running!!! I did some research and started small, first I changed the master/slave cylinder and pilot bearing... The pilot bearing was the problem and soon I was back on the road!! Oo.

This didnt last long. . Within 30 miles I was getting lots of "rattling" from the gear shift. So after aiready being $500 in I decided to go with a remaned transmission with upgraded spline from Standard Transmission (NV4500). I just replaced in it a friends shop this week (Sept 24-25) This transmission still seems somewhat difficult to get in gear, so I am not quite sure what to think!! I have read that it could take 10,000 miles to break in.

I ve started looking for gauges and exhaust brakes but dont really know much about either. I tow a 17,000# 5th wheel, around 23,500 gross.

ANY HELP OR IDEAS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!!







1998. 5 3500 SLT 4. 10 GEARS 4" EXHAUST, EDGE EZ, STANDARD transmission, STAGE 2 CLUTCH, FIRESTONE AIRBAGS

2001 ALFA GOLD 35' 5TH WHEEL "ANIMAL HOUSE"

 

[RColston]

GET THE GAUGES FIRST!! Then i've had good fortune with both Pac and BD exhaust brakes. The BD seems to have more breaking at lower rpm's. If I did it again I would use the BD 4" inline. Then if you upgrade turbo's you will not need to replace the turbo elbow type brake. My Dipricol gauges have been very reliable in both of my trucks. Be sure to get EGT, Boost and fuel pressure.



Rick

 

[Joe Mc]

Like Rick said - gauges, gauges, gauges - gotta see what's going on so you don't meltdown. As far as which kind . . . that's a whole other story/war in the making. MHO pick the ones you like the looks of/can afford and place them somewhere you can see them day & night (similar to stock lighting is nice). And also, as Rick said fuel, egt & boost. I'd place the egt probe in the exhaust manifold (pre turbo) to get quicker/more accurate temp readings.



As far as the trans not going into gear . . . you said the old one would go in fine if not running, then after new parts good for a while then not again . . . sounds like the trouble is in the system somewhere not the trans (especially now that you've replaced it w/reman unit). This may sound silly but, it's free information and can't hurt anything so what the heck - standing still e-brake on, motor idling, trans in neutral, foot off clutch - trany gears are now spinning freely - depress clutch pedal to floor and shift into 1st - should be slight hesitation then engage w/out additional effort. If not/if additional effort is needed - try same set up (in neutral etc. ) only this time go for 2nd gear. If same results - try set up mentioned prior - only this time pump clutch twice to the floor up & to floor again - then go for 1st gear. If it goes into gear smoother than before, your clutch isn't fully engaging when normally applying it. Some things to consider - proper endplay, air in slave system, weak slave/m cyl. No insult intended but, I have fussed with many clutch systems and I have to ask as I haven't seen a flywheel from one of our trucks yet - are the friction disk & pressure plate mounting surfaces on two different planes? And if so when the flywheel was resurfaced did both surfaces have equal material removed? I just had to ask as I'm looking to share and learn in the same respect. One last note - it should take a little while for the trans to "wear in" - just as a comparison take a drive in a new one with std trans to see how the shifts differ. Good luck

 

[xxx_CHiers]

Thanks for the info. And your right, anything is possible. Im gonna check out the slave/master cylinder again. I"m thinking maybe its not engaging the clutch properly. At times, it slips into gear when the clutch is about 4" off the floor????

This was my first transmission job, but I feel I did everything correctly... . Is there something I could've forgotten??? I took the clutch & flywheel off to get the pilot bearing out and replaced it with the one from Standard (brass/kevlar?)



Hardest part of the job... The "dang" crossmember!!!! Got it out my own way, but read my trusty TDR to get it back in (jack & 4 x 4, almost 7/8 difference!!!!!)



Thanks again, and I'll keep you updated.



CHAN

1998. 5 24 VALVE, SLT, EDGE chip, 4" exhaust, 4. 10 RE, Firestone Air bags, Stage 2 clutch,White

UPGRADED STANDARD transmission

2001 ALFA GOLD 35FT TRIPLE AXLE "ANIMAL HOUSE"