Hard shifts into 2nd gear

[Whiphub]

Is this common in the 1994 80’s? From first to second it is a very positive and hard shift. In 4 low, you have to brace for it. Mild whiplash like, very uncomfortable. Is this common? Are their easy fixes for this?

 

[Dissent]

My truck has always done this and I just have to let off the pedal a bit before it shifts. I typically just run in 2nd to avoid it when I'm in low unless 1st is absolutely necessary. Mine's a 97 LX with 256K and it's done it since I bought it at 166K

 

[KC masterpiece]

Yes I believe that a slightly harsher upshift from 1 - 2 is normal compared to the rest of the gears. I just swapped out my transmissions and even though the new one is a bit smoother they both have a harder 1 - 2 shift.

I find that I rarely need to be in 1st gear on the trail unless I am in the middle of an obstacle. The 2nd start function is awesome when cruising around in low range.

 

[LandLocked93]

X3 - mine does it too. VERY *positive* shift 1 - 2 in 4LO. My son calls it "turbo mode". If only... lol

 

[tacocat]

Consider this, you are multiplying the torque of that shift by the low range gear in the TC and you are fully locked at all 4 wheels as the viscous coupler is no longer in play.

 

[pawnthatdude]

Same. 1st to 2nd is harsh. Shifting from 2nd to 1st for engine braking is a big jolt. 2nd start button is your friend.

 

[1911garand]

Same issue here on my 1997. Neck snapper.

It's kinda funny with a car load of clueless passengers.

 

[Whiphub]

With my 94, I don’t believe I have the 2nd gear start button. Is there any mod I could do to accomplish this?

 

[ppc]

Yes, 93-94 US models with the A442F trans has no second start. I think the only option would be to install an aftermarket controller like a Transgo which as I recall is $1000+.

One option is to add the CDL dash switch, no pin 7 mod, but disconnect the connector to the 4Low position sensor on the transfer case. In the stock setup shifting to low range changes the transmission shift points to higher RPM, similar to pressing the Power button. By disconnecting the transfer case sensor the shift points of the transmission remain lower, resulting in smoother shifts due to lower RPMs

 

[Rwhat]

Second gear start and manually shift the gears.