Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Shifting Difficulty

[JKuhnhenn]

I have a 99 4X4 extended cab 5 speed. Approximately 69k miles. I have been experiencing some difficulty in getting the truck into gear after having the transmission in neutral. While the truck is rolling no noticeable problem. Any TSB’s I should know about? Any suggestions as to clutch adjustments? There have been no noises suggesting a major problem.

 

[MikeR]

Sounds like a pilot bearing going bad on ya.

 

[Rman]

my brother in law just went through a TON of problems with his 5 speed. In about 30k you can expect something drastic to happen, his 5th gear nut jumped off then. His clutch went out, and all his problem started with the symptoms you describe.



You can start by adjusting your clutch, making sure that the trans is not spinning at all with the pedal fully engaged. Then if the problem still persists you could have bearing problems, or its internal to the transmission with bad synchros, and that my friend is another whole can o worms.



Good luck, post back with results perhaps someone else has more experience, i have a 6 speed and can only vouch for its share of nightmares.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Put your T-case in neutral and depress the clutch for a while. Then with clutch still depressed, slowly pull the T-case into gear. If you feel the teeth grinding, I'd guess your clutch isn't releasing all of the way. That's exactly what mine did along with the initial problem you described. A new clutch took care of the problem.



Good luck,

Dan

 

[John Berger]

It could also be your shift forks. That's a $600 part. I had similar problems with mine. I recently had the input shaft replaced under warranty, so while the transmission was out I purchased the fully splined mainshaft and fifth gear nut and had them installed. The dealer said I might want to consider a new shifter housing. Problem was, it wasn't under warranty. I ended up having the same shift housing put back in and most of the shifting problems went away. It could be any of the things mentioned here. Try changing your driving habits and see if it starts to shift easier, i. e. shift at a lower rpm. Simplest things first. Good luck.