97Dually

I can't believe it. After three times in to the dealer.....I lost 5Th gear!!

Truck has 165,000 miles------

1st time: loud, excessive rattle in 5TH
diagnosis-5Th gear good, bearings need replaced

2nd time: drove 100 miles 5Th gear seized up and was stuck...no way to get out even when engine was shut down.
A new series of clutches, wheels, EVERYTHING. AND i had them install a fully splined shaft.

3rd time: (today) was driving on fway in 5Th and RPM's went high, looked down and moved the shaft--dead ONLY in 5th. I guess I lost the nut? :'(

They're looking at the dealer as I type. How can that fully splined shaft STILL throw the nut? ???

HELP!!

Tom

Captain

I dont think the shaft has anything to do with keeping the nut on. The idiot who designed the nut to have the thread in the same direction that the shaft spins is why it falls off. The upgraded nut has set screws in it. The problem is probably your dealer. As with all dealers there cheap bastards and I'm sure they didnt put the upgraded nut on the shaft. I got the upgraded nut through piers for like 15$ or something. If your lucky nothing is damaged and you just need a nut that wont fall off. If they tell you the gear is damaged tell them you want to see all the damaged parts for your self. I've known a few dealers to try and pull one or 7 over on my buddys. Hope this helps some.
Chris

RCW

I use the nut with the set screws and red loctite too (kind of like both suspenders and a belt). What the fully splined shaft will do for you is let you pull a load in 5th without locking up in 5th when it gets hot.

darloa

I can't believe the dealer didn't install the set screw nut, probaly trying to get out cheap. When mine went, at 302,000 miles believe it or not, my dealer fixed it with the upgraded nut, for less than 200 dollars, and assured it would not happen again. Told me if it did bring it back and they would fix it for free. We'll see if they will, I hope it never happens again though. Sound like its time for a new dealer. Good luck
Darl

97Dually

Well I hope that they were honest and did two things....used the shaft I gave them AND used the updated nut. He told me he did. He told me that they "never" have problems with come-backs after they do that upgraded nut. Oh well, I guess I'm just lucky I told him.

Truth is, I believe the guy. I guess I don't really understand the physics of why that splined shaft was supposed to be the end-all-beat-all repair for that 5Th gear nut.

Tomorrow I will call and see if the guy has taken It apart yet....

Tom

97Dually

**Update**

I just dropped by and found out what caused the loss of 5TH gear. There was a snap ring that enclosed the clutches for 5Th gear. It snapped. The entire $800 dollar assembly will be replaced AGAIN, this time at Chrysler's expense.

I was SOOO glad. The mechanic laughed and was very happy to see 5Th gear nut AND new shaft sitt'n pretty! Both nice and snug. ;D ;D

We'll see for the next test drive..... :P

Tom