Hey guys,
Im having this problem with my truck. When trying to put it into gear from standstill (either 1st or 2nd) It really doesn't want to go into gear. Sometimes if I let out the cluth pedal a bit while keeping pressure on the shifter it will slide in. But other times it will be really hard to get into gear. There is no grinding though. There are no problems shifting or downshifting while I have momentum. Any Info?

 

Or does it just need a good fluid change? Its got about 111,500K Miles and I have no idea if the first owner did anything with it. Anybody?

 

The throw out bearing cannot cause hard shifting, if it's starting to go it will make noise when you push on the clutch pedal. The pilot bearing in the end of the crank can cause hard shifting though. You need to find out if the slave cylinder is traveling the full distance. If yours IS bleedable I suggest you bleed it but ensure that the floor mat is pulled away and you have FULL travel. Bleeding will also "change" the fluid. If you have a number of floor mats that could be the problem.

 

When I said fluid change I meant in the tranny...

 

Sorry about that I was.... distracted. lots of market action today.

I would change the transmission oil (for sure) if never been done but as it's from stationary it sounds like the engine is NOT disengaging from the transmission fully. It must be either the pilot bearing still turning the input shaft or the clutch is not traveling far enough to disengage or the clutch itself has broken up(unlikely with no other indications)

 

So baiscally I should check to make sure the slave in working properly and if it is then its most likely the pilot bearing? Oh, and change the fluid.

 

Change the fluid in the tranny. Depending on the miles you might be due for some new hydraulics.

 

Yes I would change the transmission fluid first, then look at the hydraulic portion of the clutch. If necessary replacing the master and slave. They are not that expensive and if that doesn't fix it they would have needed replacement at some near point anyway. Getting to the pilot bearing is a lot of work but that is what my money's on. While you are in there you might as well replace the clutch disc if it looks worn and the throwout bearing as well. At that point the parts are cheap insurance.

 

yeah. Thanks for the info.

 

I am having same exact issue too, I just ordered new hydraulics and will install today.

I'll let you know if new hydraulics is the solution, since I'll install new setup.

 

Ok, final result: IT IS the hydrauilics.

I called Valair Inc ready to" bite the bullet" and order a new clutch kit, they explained it was not the clutch itself, instead the hydraulics were the problem.

I trusted their "on the phone" diagnosis, purchased their Heavy Duty kit, already bled and assembled (strongly suggested and advised), it took me 1/2 hour to install, very easy, results:

UN-BELIEVABLE

Truck is like brand new, transmission shift like cutting butter, I use 2 fingers to push or pull the stick, and also VERY IMPORTANT the master cylinder has and adjustable rod, which will help compensate pedal play.

 

Thats good to hear that it was a cheap and easy fix as I hate splitting engines and transmissions. I'm doing a Massey tractor right now and it splits in THREE to get the crank out.

 

Mine did the same thing, except when I was backing my trailer into tight places it would start pushing and when I pushed in the clutch to make it stop it kept on going. I would have to shut off the truck, pump the clutch pedal and start over.

New hydraulics from Southbend and back in business. Mine made it to 100, 000 miles, pretty much on the money....nice work engineers and bean counters at dodge that one made it just past warranty, could'nt plan that any closer!! Have one on me......oh wait a minute, you already did!!