1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

1991 yj

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by DanStew, Mar 10, 2013.

  1. Mar 10, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,585
    I am in Florida now and will be driving back my stepdads wrangler. Has had it since New and now I get it. 5 speed, 4 cyl. 90k original miles. I am driving it back 9 hours. It runs great and everytime I visit i drive the heck out of it. I know the 5 speed needs synchros, heck it has needed them for about 10 years now. I just need a checklist of suggestions to go through it before the drive. I brought tools and stuff with me. I think my only apprehention is the bad synchros. The tranny doesn't pop out of gear, just grinds going in gear. So I guess is with the ax5 will I be good to drive that far with the synchros?

    I am putting together a list of people to call if something happens as a precaution. I maybe over thinking it. I still need to ask my stepdad about what maintenance he has done to it.
     
  2. Mar 10, 2013
    Long&Low

    Long&Low Active Member

    Geauga County, OH
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2009
    Messages:
    1,212
    If they go bad, you may lose the option for one of the gears, my old '91 had bad synchros, i had a hard time putting it in second gear, so for a day or two I just skipped second, pulled the tranny and rebuilt it. On a long drive you'll be in 4th or 5th a lot, I wouldn;t worry too much.
     
  3. Mar 10, 2013
    LesT21

    LesT21 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2011
    Messages:
    5
    Wasn't old enough to experience total non-synchro crash box transmissions, but the early vehicles I drove didn't have synchros on first gear. Learned to double-clutch and could drop into first on the roll with no grinding. Clutch in, hesitation in neutral, clutch out, match rpm, clutch in, slip into next gear, clutch out and drive on.

    We used to practice shifting without using the clutch at all, same basic procedure, but clutch isn't touched. In this case it's a matter of adjusting throttle so that there is minimal pressure on the gears. Not accelerating or decelerating, slip to neutral, then more or less gas depending on whether you're shifting up or down, when you hit the sweet spot, it will slip into the next gear with no grinding. Have to be smooth and use a soft touch, can't force it.

    With a little practice, should be able to work around the bad synchros and make it without any problems.
     
  4. Mar 16, 2013
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    "The tranny doesn't pop out of gear, just grinds going in gear"

    Do mean all gears, or just getting into first or reverse at a standstill? My YJ always grinds when getting into gear from neutral, always has. I think it is a common YJ problem due to inadequate clutch throw as designed, but doesn't seem to hurt anything.

    Also, make sure you have the right lubricant in the transmission - my 1988 AX5 calls for 75W-90. (3.5 quarts)

    Fill plug takes a 15/16" wrench, offset if possible.
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2013
New Posts