Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission - 5th Gear Failure

[fbadmaev]

I was driving 65 mph and all of sudden it felt like I went into neutral. First thru fourth gears shift normally, but no fifth.



I've got 95,000 miles and the first problem.



I took it into the Dodge dealer today. Found out that I have no warranty!



1. Can anyone tell me what happened and how much you think it will cost.



2. As well as since it's probably something in the transmission is there anything else I should have them look at, upgrade or repair while the trans is out of the truck.



Thanks for the help.



Frank

 

[benhall]

5th Gear

Frank,



I hate to tell you the bad news, but your 5th gear went, as the Germans say, kaput. Do a search on for the 5th gear fixes here, and you will be able to find the permanent fix.



Now for the warranty bad news. The 100,000 mile/5 year warranty only covers the engine. Your transmission is only covered by the 36,000 mi/3 year warranty.



Ben

 

[Steve Campbell]

Temporary vs permanent fix....

Temporary fix is a new lock nut, permatex thread locker and a "LARGE" torque wrench. Permanent fix is a fully splined main shaft. Quite a bit more money, but the nut does not fail after that. Standard transmission is the first place that comes to mind for both fixes.

 

[B9Mile]

Some info from Standard Transmission and Gear:



http://www.standardtransmission.com/dodge.html

http://www.standardtransmission.com/

 

[Deezul1]

There is no such thing as a permanent fix unless you replace the Mainshaft with a fully splined one. I fixed mine in such a way that I thought there is no way that is ever coming off again and 6 months later it came off again and now has a full splined shaft. If you find a transmission shop that knows about the full splined shaft then you are in business. I checked with 6 of them before finding someone who knew what I was talking about. Blumenthals has the shaft for less than 1/2 of what Standard Trans gets for it and they are an OEM supplier for a lot of trans makers and your local trans shop is prolly aware of them as they are major players in the standard trans world.



http://blumenthalmfg.com/

 

[C Schomer]

Do the shaft fix if you're keeping the truck. The long term success rate with any of the nut fixes is nearly 0%. Craig

 

[JTBMC]

Why doesnt New Venture build the trans with a fully splined shaft in the first place.

The kit from Dodge is just a temporary fix in my opion, for the NV4500.

I've recently ordered a trans from Bluminthal for my 96.

TJ

 

[Turbo Trucker]

I haven't had any problem with the updated nut.



$50 from Dodge and not too hard to install.

 

[Cowboy Medic]

Is this a problem for all the 5 speeds or just certain years, I have over 90,000 on mine and no problem yet, but would like to know if I am susceptible.

 

[Deezul1]

It seems that all 5spds are prone to this problem. Lugging in 5th gear can contribute quite a bit to this problem and staying above 1700 rpm while towing in 5th has been reported to lessen the chances of failure.

 

[Paul Somers]

My gear hasn't come off yet but am wondering if a gifted shade tree mechanic can fix if it comes off. A person that is capable of rebuilding gas engines are replacing clutches, could they replace shaft and gear? I know we're talking about tough job pulling transmission but once it's out. Special tools involved?

 

[Deezul1]

The only tricky part of the whole job is getting the shifter back in the trans and its just a PITA, nothing wierd and setting the end play clearances on the bearings in the trans. If you are capable of building motors that last this is not a problem. Shop manual is a must for clearance info and procedure.