known issues with SM420?

Ouch!

I finally gulped and bought an SM420, supposedly freshly re-built. Got it in, linkages all figured out, etc. etc. Had to get it shipped in, not exactly local.

Test drive time - won't stay in 3rd gear. Period. Checked clutch adjustment, no help. Will have to pull it and send it back for another try.

Question is, is this a common problem, or just my luck holding bad?
Any known issues (this, or anything else) with the 420?

Thanks, wish me luck, supposedly leaving in a week for a week of wheeling the Colo. high country...

 

i have not heard of any known problems with the 420.
my first one popped out of gear also in 1st and 2nd only in low gear down hill. this one was not rebuilt though. my second one works great with no problems, also not rebuilt.

where are you wheeling at?

chris

 

Thanks for the info! The guy (in Denver) who built it sent up a different tranny, it's going in today. Here's hoping.

We haven't finalized the trails yet, fire danger in southern part of the state may close some down. Might have to give up on Blanca, but will likely do Holy Cross, Redcone, etc.

 

I was curious ... 7.0*3.15*4.88 = 107.6

 

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/sm420.htm

 

Could be assembled wrong, and it's not going into gear fully. Pops out on decelleration, or randomly?

 

I want an SM420, I'm only at 28.44...in fact its lower than that with the 33's

 

Yep, 108:1 is what I get, too (BWG) And, since I'm still running 31's to keep low, ground speed is way low. Looks like around 4 mph at about 4000 rpm. Interestingly, granny low in high range gives me nearly the same crawl that I originally had in low range!

But, to me the great hidden gain is a better spread in the top 3 gears, makes for even better use of the OD, plus sync in 3 gears instead of 2! And now with PLoc in front, also ... Yeehaaa!


Per Tim's question, it just wouldn't stay in at all, couldn't even hold it in.


Anyway, this old fogey is getting really pumped about the trip, first real trails since she (CJ5) played Rip Van Winkle about 15 years ago. Now if I can just get the bodywork/paint done sometime soon...
(Still trying to figure out how to post pics)

 

i would love to check out your rig sometime and compare notes. looks like we have very similar taste in building!

pm or email if interested.

i am wondering why you chose to have the 420 worked on in denver. i was toying with the idea of having my spare rebuilt somewhere here in loveland.

chris

 

Done - we'll be in touch!

For all, 2nd tranny works a charm! Dunno what was wrong with the first, but the guy that rebuilt it stood by it, made this one right. This one is the newer case, with ribs, had to grind a bit to clear the drive shaft. But, all seems well now.

Have Jeep, Will Travel

 

Prolly ought to edit your sig now Van .

 

Yeah!!

 

great news!

you are going to have lots of fun on your trip!

chris

 

Van,
FWIW, I ran into the same problem with my newly rebuilt T14 that I put in my 66. Turns out it was a bent shift fork causing 3rd not to engage fully. Might be worth a try.

 

2nd tranny is in, and works fine. Shifts, stays in gear, all that good stuff. Looking hopefull!

Now to just finish up the new tranny cover/floor pan, shift boots, ... Might make it yet!

 

Glad it worked out. Mine had me scratching my head for a couple of months.......