yj Shifting issues

I recently acquired a 94 4cyl 5sp yj Wrangler. The issue I was told from original owner is when starting it, it must be in gear or trans will not go into gear. Starting with transmission in gear, all is well, shifts fine and drives great with no clutch slippage. Once you put shifter in neutral and release the clutch, you can no longer put back in gear unless you turn off ignition, place back in gear and start it again.

my thoughts.... hydraulic clutch but then again maybe synchronizers, but it shifts too well once you get it in gear. I don't think the clutch itself would be the issue, being as it has plenty of grab with no slip.

This is the newest Jeep I have ever owned and I am in need of some enlightenment on what I may need to tackle here!

 

My '88 YJ (5-speed/four cylinder) is not quite that bad, but I have always had a little grind or clunk getting into first or reverse. Almost as if the clutch pedal does not have enough 'throw.'

It seems to be a generic design problem in YJ's as far as I can discover. If there is a solution I'd like to hear it.
I fantasize about a larger diameter clutch master cylinder or a different pedal geometry.

But first you should try bleeding/flushing the hydraulics. There is a bleed screw next to the bell housing.

 

Not on mine ('88 ). I wish!

The slave is a donut on the throwout bearing. http://jeepro-usa.com/jpproduct/OMIX/16909.06.jpg

 

I agree with your thoughts. However my '88 is very low miles, I did replace my slave, and I still have the problem - although the OPs '94 may be different.

Lately I'm wondering if the type of gear lube would make a difference, although I've been following the factory specification. (W75-90)

 

Had a clutch issue on my sons YJ, took the clutch master cylinder apart and found broken pieces. Replaced it with new. All was good until that one started leaking out the back. Replaced again with a warranty replacement, clutch worked fine until he decided to try knocking a tree over in the neighborhood and totaled the jeep.

 

Some YJ's have internal or external. I would agree, bleed the system, see if you get enough pedal travel then. If not, the your disc may have gone bad, bust a spring, etc, etc.

Issue with going from 1 to R is probably worn synchros.