Ok guys, I have a 1998 Dakota, manual tranny 5.2L V8. Just bought the truck very cheap and figure to do some minor work on it to get it to where I like it. Its a winter driver as the GTO will be garaged for the winter.

Engine runs great, aftermarket catback sounds great, no wheel shimmy at high speeds, so basically a great running truck. I have noticed that when starting from a stop the truck gives me a herky jerky start. Its not the driver because I am no where near new to driving a manual tranny. It only is jerky starting from a stop in 1st, accelerating after all other shifts are fine. Previous owner stated that he replaced the clutch last year, pretty normal for the number of miles it has, so I don't think it is that. I do worry that there might be issues with a friction plate or the rear diff, or the tranny as a whole.

I am new to the whole automotive scene but will be really doing a lot of work on the truck on my own, basically a hobby truck. I have done a lot of basic maintenance work but nothing too in depth. So I need help trying to figure out what is wrong. Anyone have any thoughts? If you need more info let me know, I will try to describe what is happening to the best of my ability.

Thanks in advance.

JR

 

Since the clutch has been replaced, my guess is a warped pressure plate or clutch disc. If previous owner dogged the clutch, let it slip some before lightin up the tires or pulled a heavy load and abused the clutch, the pressure plate could overheat and warp or, worse, even crack. Sometimes bad or bent arms on the pressure plate can cause chatter.

 

If it was a pressure plate wouldn't I feel something as I run through the gears?

 

Not necessarily. Once the truck is moving, there is much less load on the clutch as you shift gears and chattering should decrease accordingly.
Here's what artsautomotive says:
The average life for a clutch is about 90,000 miles. A second clutch's life will likely be shorter than the first if the pressure plate is not replaced or the flywheel is not machined.

Chattering and Grabbing — If the clutch chatters or grabs instead of engaging smoothly, the most likely cause is oil or grease on the clutch linings. A leaky crankshaft rear main oil seal may be the source of the unwanted oil. There could also be a leaky transmission or transaxle input shaft seal, a manifold or valve cover oil leak on the engine, binding in the clutch linkage or a broken powertrain mount. Other causes of this condition include binding or rust on the input shaft splines, broken or damaged clutch facings or pressure plate assembly, a warped clutch disc, damaged or broken damper springs in the clutch disc hub, or a collapsed marcel spring in the clutch disc.

 

Man thanks for the info. I will be getting that checked soon. I have talked with a brother, mechanic, and he says it isn't too bad to replace. He isn't sure he would attempt it at home though. I will probably see what it will cost me.

JR