AX-15 hard downshift to 2nd

[gasiorv]

I know this is a common topic and I have searched and read multiple threads on this site and others. I bought my 98 TJ with 237,000 miles on it, not sure what was done prior to me purchasing. When I got it, it shifted OK with the exception of hard to get into first at stop lights (which appears to be common). I recently changed the Transmission oil at 250K miles and used Redline MT-90. After changing the oil it is now hard to downshift to 2nd gear and subsequently it is still hard to get into first. being hard to get into first is an irritant, but not being able to easily downshift to 2nd is a real issue.

Additional info - it shifts up with no problem. It shifts into reverse with no problem. If shifts down to 4th and 3rd with no problem. It does seem to get easier to downshift to 2nd with the MT-90 after it heats up, it is extremely hard when cold.

Before I drain the MT-90 and replace with 10w-30 I was just hoping for a sanity check that this "may" help and my shifting down to 2nd will be restored with the 10w-30. I am going to replace with synthetic 10w-30.

 

[Rubicon88]

I've said many times...
Redline is not the savior some people think it is...
Rather I should say want it to be.

Put in some 50w full synthetic and go wheeling

 

[jeepguy03]

I've said many times...
Redline is not the savior some people think it is...
Rather I should say want it to be.

Put in some 50w full synthetic and go wheeling

As in 15w50 full synthetic engine oil like Castrol or Mobil 1? Interesting. Never heard of this before!

 

[gasiorv]

I swapped it back to 10w-30 (wal-mart brand high mileage synthetic) and the downshift to 2nd issue is gone. Back to the way it was before, shifts good except for into first.

I just handed over the keys to my 16yo and he just drove away for the first time in his own Jeep (he got his license on Thursday and has been driving the minivan, but today he wanted "his" jeep). I told him not to worry about stalling it and if someone starts blowing the horn at him after stalling to remember that person probably can't drive a manual transmission.

 

[Goatman]

Does double clutching help with the downshift problem? Or getting into 1st? It may be your syncros are wearing out. Though even a couple fluid changes is cheaper than a rebuild. Let us know what does the trick for you.