I posted this in the 24v section, thought I would try here too....

My 98.5, 5 speed became very hard to shift this afternoon. Everything was fine on a 120 mile trip until I got to town and I couldn't get it through the gears. I ended up shifting by RPM's to get home.
Clutch has never slipped, so I don't think it's that... any other ideas???
I am assuming all stock, probably original parts...145K on the clock.
How do I change the fluid? ( I searched, found nothing on "how to")

Any help is appreciated, I really need this thing running good for work.
thanks, chris

 

is it hard to get into gear at a stop also?

 

yes....it's like I'm not using the clutch at all.

 

sounds like the synros to me check a local trans place and have the check it out....joe

 

Could be the throw out bearing or the pilot bearing. Could be the hydraulics. I would start with the clutch. Either way I'd pull it out and look at the clutch/bearings etc. Check fluid first, make sure it is full.
I've had MANY problems with my 4500. Mine wouldn't shift because it completely destroyed the pilot bushing in fly wheel. Let me know what happens. IF it is clutch/pilot bushing, get a south bend clutch. Good price, good parts, Very dependable.

 

I would make my Vote in the hydrolic area. pop them off and take a look.

 

Sounds like mine did when Hyd were going out. Noticed I couldnt get it in gear a couple times from a stop thought it was just a fluke then about a week later pushed the clutch in to stop and kept going like I had never pushed it down. Cranked it up again and worked fine once you pumped the clutch a few times. Luckly I wasnt on rd at time and just hit the switch and cut it off but could have been bad.

 

thanks for the replies guys,
brought it to the shop this morning and they were thinking hyd. problem too after a test drive. they actually found the hyd. system somewhere close. Should get it back today, which is good, need it back ASAP.