Transmission logic

[Mike Gibbs]

I’ve been a yacht/ boat mechanic all my life. Rebuilt a ‘71 mustang and most of my ‘97 Wrangler. I’m having a hard time believing that a manufacturer suggested fluid would be causing my transmission to not remain in gear in the 2nd, 4th, and reverse gears. I am getting the MT90 today but while I was underneath I started thinking that because I removed my skid plate to change all fluids and begin a sye kit, I’m wondering if because I drove it without the skid plate, it allowed the tranny and transfer case to drop lower than it should be thus creating my shifting problems. I would love to hear from the guru’s thoughts because I have a hard time believing that a fluid would cause this kind of problem. Plus, I noticed the skid plate supports both from motor to shaft and differential. Thanks and rant over. Just things on why I lose sleep at night.

 

[Ashim]

Yes, the skid plate is what supports the transmission and transfer case. The end of the transfer case needs to be supported while the skid plate is removed. It should not be driven.

 

[macleanflood]

I could be the issue but as you pointed out it probably isn't.

Pull the AX-5 and take it apart if you want. Could be one of the shift rails is jammed up on something.

When I had a bunch of idiots at a shop rebuild my AX-15 they missed finding a casting spur on the side of a shift fork. That chunk of metal hit the inside of the case. I pulled and reinstalled that transmission at least three times before I gave up on the shop.

-Mac

 

[BlueC]

transmission to not remain in gear in the 2nd, 4th, and reverse gears... because I removed my skid plate to change all fluids and begin a sye kit, I’m wondering if because I drove it without the skid plate, it allowed the tranny and transfer case to drop lower than it should be thus creating my shifting problems.

First, I can't understand why you would drive it like that. Second, without the support the trans should swing down which would bring your shifter closer to the console, likely making contact in 2nd, 4th, and reverse. If this is a sudden problem, I'm guessing that was the cause, and the solution. Hopefully you didn't do any real damage while driving without the support, but I'd keep a close eye on things until you figure that out.

 

[5TTTj]

Just wondering how you could actually drive it without the support of the skid plate.

 

[Mike Gibbs]

Just wondering how you could actually drive it without the support of the skid plate.

Easy. Drive it around the block to test a different problem. There was no vibration. Just noticed I could shift but had to hold shifter to keep it in gear. I had mentioned the issue before and only responses were use only mt90. It wasn’t until I drained the fluid again I realized there was no support. I was going to reinstall after I finished the sye install. Just wanted to check another issue I was having by driving maybe a 1/2 mile around the block at about 20mph. I didn’t realize there were no tranny/case mounts when I removed plate. That’s when I realized that may be the issue. I’m not stupid. So please no stupid responses.

 

[Mike Gibbs]

nothing moved. Only issue was having to hold shifter in place. No vibration. No alignment issues. Nothing other than shifter. That’s when I started to investigate.

 

[GregBelleville]

I guarantee there was a lot of movement if your trans was hanging by your motor mounts while you were driving. If your trans was fine prior to dropping the skid, I'd put the blame on driving without the skid before trying different ATF.

 

[Superjay5]

nothing moved. Only issue was having to hold shifter in place. No vibration. No alignment issues. Nothing other than shifter. That’s when I started to investigate.

Without the skid to hold up the transmission and transfer case there is nothing supporting it. Only attachment at that point is the motor mounts.

A lot of issues with doing what you did. The only thing that would prevent the transmission/tcase from fully angling back is the motor hitting the firewall. Which is also where the main wiring harness is.

Wiring could have gotten pinched, good chance motor mounts are roasted. Depending on how far you drove it driveshafts u joints could be trashed.

Get the skid back on there and never do that again.

You have to hold the shifter in gear as it’s more than likely hitting the tub

 

[Rubiconned]

I drove it without the skid plate

You get 1 point for originality

 

[Mac57]

Do you have the skid back on now and still have these shifting issues?

 

[Duck Doctor]

If the rig is currently parked without the tcase skid installed make sure you are supporting the tras

Easy. Drive it around the block to test a different problem. There was no vibration. Just noticed I could shift but had to hold shifter to keep it in gear. I had mentioned the issue before and only responses were use only mt90. It wasn’t until I drained the fluid again I realized there was no support. I was going to reinstall after I finished the sye install. Just wanted to check another issue I was having by driving maybe a 1/2 mile around the block at about 20mph. I didn’t realize there were no tranny/case mounts when I removed plate. That’s when I realized that may be the issue. I’m not stupid. So please no stupid responses.

In your prior thread you never disclosed the fact that your transfer case skid had been removed. When you remove the tcase skid you need to make sure and support the bellhousing even when the rig is stationary.

 

[Mike Gibbs]

Do you have the skid back on now and still have these shifting issues?

Not yet. Doing a sye. I will when I finish.

 

[Mike Gibbs]

Finally finished sye. Changed fluid to mt90 and reinstalled skid plate. All is well. No problems anywhere. In fact, it shifts and drives better than she ever has. Now I know not to drive without skid plate. Lesson learned. Also, don’t work late at night where I couldn’t see that the drive train has no support other than that plate. Woohoo!!!! Beach cruise mañana!!!!