Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) The old fifth gear problem

[Dale]

1996, 153,000 and not complaining. I lost my fifth gear while towing. Although there are many temp. fixes out there the true fix is to replace the nut, retainer, shaft and of course while your transmission is out have it all synchronized. You can use the "Torque King", "New Venture" trans parts, "Gear Vendor" or "Standard Transmission". I have had my transmission done twice, the fifth gear as mentioned and I snapped my input shaft 2 years ago. I use an excellent transmission shop and I highly recommend them if you are in southern Ca. ( not cheap) in fact Bruce almost laughed at me when I mentioned a quick fix. Anyway my point was that the shop said that they do many fifths and that I should write to Dahmler/Chrysler and enough letters would maybe generate a response or even a bulletin. Can we get money or riembusement probably not as they have fixed the problem on the later model trucks. The worst thing they would say is "no". Has this been done to anyone's knowledge and if so what was the response? Thanks for looking. PS, how do I change my profile or truck info?

 

[GAmes]

They did?

Who said it was fixed on the new trucks? NV builds it and a new trans has the old shaft from what I have researched. Get DC to respond to the problem?? That is funny :-laf

 

[Dale]

guess we have different information, DC - nothing surprises me.

 

[Forrest]

Dale ... did Jim Leonard do your clutch?



I've got the dual too.





Forrest

 

[Dale]

Forrest, Yes Jim did modifications to my truck in 1997 - 1998, this included power upgrades, B & D brake and at that time a Mcloud clutch. In 2003 I snapped my input shaft while towing. I had Valco transmission in Littlerock (Ca. ) repair my truck. The truck has a Luk gold series. I also had the truck redone at Banks with the power pack in February of this year. All of the things Ive had done I have been extremely happy. Thanks Dale in Lancaster.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Dale, how did you blow your input shaft? Were you towing fast and furious? I am thinking about upgrading mine when I finally get around to doing my 5th gear (somehow the original is doing fine at 373,000). Hey dude you need to update your signature. . . it says 95,000 miles Was your last update Sept 1999? :-laf



Vaughn

 

[Dale]

Vaughn, I want to change my signature, trying to figure it out. 373,000 impressive. I currently have 154,440. Since we have a hydraulic clutch I could not feel any problems, but what Valco figured how even though unusual, was that over a period of time the splines on the shaft were wearing a groove in the shaft itself. The grooves were not very deep and we are not sure what caused it to pinch the shaft but I was towing uphill in 3rd gear at 32 mph and 2000 on the tach (running real good) and then it went. I had my previous fifth wheel with a weight of 10,800. I now tow an Arctic fox with a gross of 13,000. The truck works well with both trailers and yes it works a little harder with the second trailer. I was surprised as was Valco transmissions about the input shaft. They have seen it before but not very often. To answer your question about towing I think by my own experience and reading alot of TDR that any Dodge stock off of the floor will do the job of towing. Most people like myself add things for extra safety, comfort, performance or whatever. I agree and I know you have heard that we are our own warranty. My truck has been extremely dependable for wht Ive done. There are also many clutches out there and most work well. I think be guided by your needs and your pocketbook. I try to lean towards the best product vs. saving a feww dollars. Congrats on 373,000 that makes me feel good at the 150,000 club

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Thanks for the comments Dale. My truck hasn't worked nearly as hard as yours, it's seen little towing in all those miles. I did tow a small camper to Maine, down to Florida and back last year.



To update your signature click on "Discussion Forums" tab at the top of the page and select "User Control Panel. " Once there click "Edit Signature" over on the left



Have fun. . . careful there with your post count, you're liable to hit 50 by 2008



Vaughn