ive always had a 1-2 shift problem ever since i owned the truck. if i punch the throttle it won't shift into 2nd untill i let off the trottle just a touch. (always thought it was the tranny) then i got a new tranny and same issue.. as long as i leave my foot off a cm from the floor she'll shift hard and fast. i blew that tranny up 4x4ing so i got a new one... still the same issue and this is a full built tranny. i don't understand. every other gear for me works fine though.

any ideas?

 

MIne is acting exactly the same, after my altenator died. Was told yesterday that the rebuilt alt, was the wrong one. I still don,t believe that,,, but my problems started after I changed the altenator.

 

Kickdown adjustment.

 

What is the proper way to check shift down adjustment?

 

found hte adjustment thread.

 

Mine sometimes does this too, mostly when I launch in 4wd with some boost, won't go to 2nd unless I let off a bit about 25% of the time or so, I'll be keeping up with this post if someone knows a fix.

 

Well I did the band adjustments, that was my problem all along, now it shifts just like new. Thanks for all the input.

 

Sounds like I need to take my transmission into to get serviced then

 

The bands are easy to set, if you have an inch pound torque wrench. The kickdown one is out in the open,, the reverse one is inside under the pan.

 

Never tired to adjust that before, what should it be set to? Might have to go buy some tools

 

ADJUSTMENT - BANDS
FRONT BAND
The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw is located on the left side of the transmission case above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.

Raise vehicle.
Loosen band adjusting screw locknut (Front Band Adjustment Screw Location). Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw threads if necessary.
Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs.) torque with an appropriate Torx™ socket.
CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 is needed to reach the adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 5 N·m (47-50 in. lbs.) torque.

Back off front band adjusting screw 1-7/8 turns.
Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten locknut to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle.
REAR BAND
The transmission oil pan must be removed for access to the rear band adjusting screw.

Raise vehicle.
Remove transmission oil pan and drain fluid.
Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in lever.
Tighten adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs.) torque (Rear Band Adjustment Screw Location).
Back off adjusting screw 3 turns.
Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten locknut to 34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N·m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle and refill transmission with Mopar® ATF +4 fluid.

 

The kickdown adjustment on the '98 has always been very sensitive - set it for normal driving and it's fine, but mash the skinny pedal and it takes forever to shift; set it for racing and then it'll shift early when cruising... that last quarter-inch of travel makes a big difference!

We just set it for normal driving and shift with the foot while racing.