Shifter getting more "notchy" (1 Viewer)

[CurtB]

'87 stock 4 speed. It seems like it is getting harder to get into all gears. No grinding, I'm just encountering a bit more resistance dropping into gear. It feels like it is a cold winter morning even though it is 1000 degrees out in Florida in August. Clutch seems healthy...no slip, not dropping out of gear.

Don't know if it is related, but the tranny IS overfull of fluid....I'm waiting for my tcase/tranny hose to arrive.

Any PM I need to be doing regarding the shifter?

 

[mattressking]

Bleed the clutch slave if you don't know the last time it was done. Verify clutch pedal play and engagement point is still within spec. Make sure no leaks in system.

Overfill could be a problem, but do the above items as well to rule that out.

 

[bhk]

Also check the shift lever seat in the transmission cover. It's a wear item and will make shifting difficult once it starts to go. It's easy to get to.

33505-60011

 

[CurtB]

Bleed the clutch slave if you don't know the last time it was done. Verify clutch pedal play and engagement point is still within spec. Make sure no leaks in system.

Overfill could be a problem, but do the above items as well to rule that out.

Definitely no leaks....I replaced and bled the slave about 18 months ago, but I'll take another look.

FSM doesn't have much about clutch adjustment....just pedal free play which checks out.

 

[mattressking]

Definitely no leaks....I replaced and bled the slave about 18 months ago, but I'll take another look.

FSM doesn't have much about clutch adjustment....just pedal free play which checks out.

Yup that's it, pedal play and height. I'd just make sure no air is in it, then you can happily move on to the next diagnosis.

 

[CurtB]

Also check the shift lever seat in the transmission cover. It's a wear item and will make shifting difficult once it starts to go. It's easy to get to.

33505-60011

I'm not seeing that in the doc....one of these?

 

[mattressking]

I'm not seeing that in the doc....one of these?View attachment 1514126

Yes, 33556F.

 

[bhk]

I'm not seeing that in the doc....one of these?View attachment 1514126

Yes, that's the part diagram for the H55 though. The 4-speed shifter doesn't have the little plastic bushing on the end (33548F). It's not a bad idea to replace the internal shift boot while you're at it, 33555-55011.

 

[stevebradford]

Overfilled trans will do it.

 

[OSS]

All of the above are good suggestions.
And I'll drop the bomb (someone has to).
A worn input shaft pilot bearing can create enough friction that the transmission can't spin down enough in relation to the crankshaft to allow the synchronizers in the gearbox to stop the gears for a smooth engagement.

Shifting the transmission for extended periods (months/years) when it has to grind (notch) into gear accelerates wear on the synchros and engagement teeth.

If ALL the suggestions above fail to fix the notchy shifting, consider the possibility that the pilot bearing has gone bye bye.

Replacing a binding pilot bearing (if that's the culprit) is best done sooner than later. If it builds up enough friction, the input shaft tip can (and will) break free of the interference fit in the inner race and the input shaft tip will then be ground down and never fit tightly in another bearing again. The input shaft will have to be replaced. And since there are no new input shafts available for the 4 speed, a new 5 speed transmission will have to be purchased.

Holy crap!

Don't blame me.. I'm only the messenger.

 

[CurtB]

Well, before I start rending garments, I'll drain some fluid out of the transmission and top off the tcase

 

[SteveH]

In addition to the magic hose between your trans and xfer, you might consider properly venting the xfer case so that the oil isn't pushed into the transmission. Pry off the wobbly vent cap, and install a clamped piece of 3/8" fuel line to the xfer vent, and run the vent up high. A bit of a pain to get to, but not impossible.

If the plastic shifter seat appears un-worn, you don't need to replace it. My FJ60's shifter seat looked fine after 175K miles.