[meb1]

I recently bought a 2002 Wrangler Sport with the 4.0/5 speed transmission. One thing that I would like to improve is the poor,notchy feel of the transmission. Will it smooth out after it gets broken in? It only has 1000 miles so far. I've read that changing to synthetic fluid with smooth it up yet the owners manual states that you should ONLY use Mopar manual transmission lube 04874464 in the manual transmission that comes with the 4.0 engine. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks

[OK-TJ]

I have a 2002 TJ with 1000 miles and it shifts very smooth in every gear - if you are noticing unsmooth / hard shifting you may want to take back to the dealer to evaluate - mine is as smooth between gears as any other manual I have owned....

[meb1]

I drove several new 02 manual Wranglers and they all shifted the same. Nothing major.....just not quite as smooth as I would like.
I've noticed several posts from people claiming that synthetic fluid would make a huge difference. I was going to give it a try until I noticed in my owners manual that you should only use the factory fluid in the manual transmission that comes with the 4L six. I guess my question is what's so different about the 4L's transmission that DC wants you to use their fluid and is there a synthetic fluid that I could safely use in it?

[KnightFire]

After driving a few 2002 5 spds I've noticed that they ALL have a bit of notchiness feel in them, not a perfect slide into the gears...I feel it most while going from 2nd to 3rd. Its not a synchro problem because I've tried double clutching it...no change.

I've been told by quite a few people that its the trannie and they're all pretty much like that. I've just accepted it as well as I can. But I have installed a polyurethane trannie mount (which helped some) and will be getting a short throw shifter.

I doubt it will ever go away completely...just the nature of the trannie...but hopefully I can diminish it! I think that I'm more sensitive to it than most because I'm used to extremely short throws and shifting VERY quickly with smooth precision...which just ain't ever gonna happen in a Jeep. Sometimes I feel like I'm rowing a boat when I'm shifting through the gears in the Jeep, LOL.


KnightFire

[Steveqvs]

My 2002 X feels notchy too! Mostly when going into 2nd but really all the way through. I only have a little over 1000 miles too so I am hoping it gets a little smoother. I do think its the tranny and really not much I can do about it.

steve

[Diggin'Taters]

My 99 does the same thing. I'm thinking about buying the B&M short throw shifter. Kinda pricey at 200 bux. But worth it if it makes a difference. I hope the shorter throw will help it get into gear easier with the Body lift.

[ImCooter]

The NV3550 has some special synchros that require a friction modifier. This is similar in concept to a limited slip differential that requires an additive to the regular gear oil.

The Mopar fluid is actually a specialized blend of Texaco something or other. I can't remember the exact name/spec right now. If you want to put in another type of fluid, your choices are basically limited. Use the Mopar fluid, GM Synchromesh, or a 50/50 split of Redline MTL and MT-90.

Personally, I just switched to the Redline mixture. I want to see how a 100% synthetic fluid is going to work. So far, I've noticed a better "kick in the pants" feel but I'm not sure if that's because of the fluid or just the changing of fluid. Time will tell.

[drtjmpr17]

Some times they build up the syncro smaller than what is needed... to allow wear....to let the syncro be worn to the gear....kinda like fit the gear to the syncro...

I would say give it time..... see if it smooths out.... keep up on all the oil tranny changes....


If it doesn't smooth out by 5000, I would take it back

[munroejp]

My 2001 felt notchy too, I drained the fluid and put Penzoil synchromesh fluid back and it seemed to help smooth it out a little.

[rainmn]

Holy 7 year old thread.