This is a new to us '99 with the 5.2 / 5-speed 4WD (Sport)

It is hard shifting from third to second, usually bit of grind. Occasionally from 1st to second also.

A rattling sound when clutch pedal is released in neutral.

Are we looking at replacing clutch or bearings? Or transmission work?


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First truck since an early 50's Dodge in the late 60's. At least the wrenches fit....

 

throw out bearing maybe? might as well do it all while its dropped

 

Sounds like synchos in the trans starting to wear. could also be shifter problem due to abuse

 

I have an NV3500 manual in my Dakota too, and it has rattled while in neutral since I bought it 4 years ago. A transmission guy told me the NV 35000 is just a noisy transmission and not to worry about it. I also had some problems shifting, mainly from first to second, it would grind a bit and not shift as smooth and easy as I wanted it to, especially when the truck was cold. I changed the gear oil in the transmission with Pennzoil Synchromesh and it has shifted fine ever since, but it can still be a bit chunky when it's cold. I change the transmission lube at every 48,000 miles.

Jimmy

 

The clutch may not be dis-engaging fully, and that will cause the hard shift and the grinding. It might be that the release lever isn't moving far enough, or the disc is hanging up on the trans input shaft, or the disc/pressure plate is warped. The trans is probably OK.

 

+1 to that! There are two fluids that way outperform the overpriced Mopar nv3500 fluid by a long shot. The Pennzoil Syncromesh or the Redline MTL. Both will help shifting in cold weather, but like said above, the nv3500 is just a noisy transmission.

 

We had mechanic look at it. And he's giving us names of trans. shop for rebuild/exchange.....

Maybe we'll find out what wore it out, if it wasn't just continuous operator error....

Thanks for all the responses.

It passed emissions test with nothing done!