t18a hard shifting

is there a tip what i can do because my t18 is so hard to shift, specialy from 2-3 is a real hard job.
it was the same before the rebuild and i thought it will be better....but no

gerald

 

What are you using for lube oil?

 

Gear oil is a good start. I know mine is hard to shift also, especially when cold. I use a good quality 80-90 gear oil.

 

I purchased a 1976 CJ5 with a T18 transmission in December 1975. I still own the Jeep w/80K miles and the transmission still shifts "hard" as it did when new.

 

There are some real good synthetic gear oil's out there that do a real good job on gear boxes .............lighter weight but still have high shock load modifiers built in that make transmissions shift easier ............check out RED LINE Oil's website here in the Bay Area or give them a call!

 

Have you driven one of these before, Gerald? Just asking, in case you aren't aware of how the truck 4-speeds shift.

I haven't found them to be particularly hard shifters, but they are very slow compared to passenger car and Jeep 3-speed transmissions. The throws are long and the gates are distinct - you need a distinct "up, over, and up" movement for the 2-3 shift.

Driving one of these in stop-and-go traffic can be ... tedious.

What did you do to rebuild it? Send it out or do it yourself?

 

i know this is not a fast shifter
i had years ago a sm420 in my tj behind the 2.5l and this was fine to shift, ok, long ways but fine.
the t18 comes hard out of gear.....its hard for me to explain, sorry

my friend in florida had the t18 at a transmission-shop......he sad everything inside is new or like new.

gerald

 

Maybe you need a break in period, lots of shifting etc. to help.

Could it be a clutch issue?

 

i dont think its the clutch and i dont think this are the gears
could it be that it comes from where the stick goes in ?
something to tight? rubbing?

gerald

 

I have had a clutch issue with my t18 where the clutch wasn't fully releasing. This made shifting really difficult. With proper adjustment it is exactly as timgr described. It shouldn't be exhausting to shift.

 

If there are new synchro hubs and/or gears, could need breaking in more

 

Gerald - the T18 transmission is a truck transmission built in the USA and they are built tough, the only problem I have had with the T18 in my 1976 CJ5 is the "gaiter spring" that keeps the shifter out of reverse when shifting from 3rd to 4th has broken. They do not shift like a Triumph TR6, a JK Rubicon or even a Series Land Rover. Sam

 

The reverse spring is still available. I replace them as a matter of course when I rebuild a T-18 or T-19 as most are collapsed or broken. R&P stocks them and I'm sure Partsmike and others do to.

What kind if oil are you using Gerald? That can make a difference. What parts were replaced?


Sent from my iPhone

 

i will try to scan the bill, most i cant read and others dont mean anythig to me......

gerald

and yes i have driven my friends cj5 with 304 and t18, it shifts easyer

 

Did you replace the pilot bearing when you did the tranny? If it's a tight fit it can cause enough drag to make the tranny hard to shift. If that's the case if should get better with use. Did the tranny go right in or did you have to "persuade" it that last inch?

 

My experience with older truck transmissions and the newer five and six speed truck transmissions is that the older ones like the t-18s and t-14s shift much easier when they have the old school STA-LUBE 85W90 GL4
The newer technology five and six speeds respond well to the newer stuff like redline.

Find some GL4 rated lube and try that first

 

i hope you can read it

gerald

 

Difficult...

You have a picture with higher resolution? Just give a link, rather than embed it.