I just picked up my first ever Dodge last night in Great Falls, Montana, and lost 5th gear on my way back to Michigan. I limped it down to Bozeman in 4th since I have friends there.

Anyone know a descent mechanic or anyone that could help me out? If someone can help me out today (I know, it's the weekend) I've got cash with me.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin
(231)313-0923

 

Kevin, I know there is a Cummins dealer in Billings, as well as many different tranny shops. You'd have to wait till monday, but it'd probably be worth the wait. Good luck

 

US Diesel used to have shops in Bozeman, Gt Falls and Missoula but I'm not sure anymore. They could at least direct you to someone 800-823-4444.
Doubt they are open on Sun though.

Another option.
I drove my truck 1200 miles with 5th out, it caused no further damage which is often the case. Many folks have done similar.
It was a little slower but the best mpgs I ever got

 

I lost 5th gear very early on a rounder' from calgary to denver and back. pulled 4th the whole rest of the trip, about 1500 miles the return trip with about 1500 lbs in the bed. you're not going to hurt anything driving without 5th gearnut. the gear just freewheels on the shaft.

 

As Infidel metnioned, the 96 in our fleet was a 4 speed for the last 5-6k just because I didn't have time to get to it. If you need to get home, I'm sure you can drive it with 4 gears. Depending on the rear, it could be a little slow. Mine is a 4:10

Cole

 

Does anyone know exactly the tools that I'll need to fix it myself? I was thinking maybe I could just buy a few tools and reuse the stock nut and JB Weld it back on there.

Could someone give me a quick description of how to do it? Thanks

 

The transfercase case will need to be removed. Then just unbolt the extension housing from the tranny. 10mm 12 point socket. You will see the nut sitting on the shaft. Put it back on and maybe stake the nut. To get the TC out you'll need a 5/16" wrench for the rear u-joint straps, 15 or 16 mm wrenches for the front driveshaft bolts at TC. You'll also need some permatex black for the extension housing and a quart or so of fluid you'll lose from the extension housing. Supposed to be Castrol Syntorq, but I have been using Valvoline synthetic with no problems for a couple of years. Napa said they crossed. Good luck.

 

When I put the nut back on can I just use a hammer and punch or do I need a special tool? Also, what's the "TC"?

Also, maybe stupid question (my first 5-speed): Where's the quart of fluid go in?

 

Hammer and punch is fine. TC = Transfer Case. Fluid goes in on passenger side fill plug. Should be a 3/8 drive square plug or allen head, I can't remember. Theoretically you need to tourque the nut to like 270# but working under it a hammer and punch should get it tight enough to get home.

 

I made the socket you need to tighten the nut back on. I would not reused the stock nut. theres a couple different styles of updated nut. take your pick. use copius amounts of red locktite as well. I wouldn't use JB weld. I tack welded the new nut to the shaft as well in 2 spots. a new fully splined main shaft with updated nut is the real fix for this problem though.

tranny fluid has to be a GL-4 rated gear oil. there are very few GL-4 rated synthetic oils out there. but it HAS to be GL-4 rated. GL-5 rated oil will eat the BRASS syncros in the tranny. Theres a GL-4 Penzoil that I use about 75% cheaper than at the dealer.