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D-18 popping out of gear

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by jzeber, Jun 21, 2004.

  1. Jun 21, 2004
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,322
    Hi All,

    I have had my Jeep for about 10 years. The D-18 t case has never "jumped" or "popped" out of low range. With much help from this board I recently installed an SM465 transmission. I am very happy with the set up. When I had everything out of the Jeep to do the conversion I decided to tear the t-case apart. Everything went back together great and it is shifting much better, maybe too good? Yesterday I went to a local 4 wheel park and was playing around. The t-case jumped out of 4 wheel low twice. Once I was cruising along a trail in 4th gear, going about 20 mph, when I backed off the gas it popped out. The second time I had just finished a really radical trail, even had the Jeep up on one tire. After completing the trail I parked the Jeep. When I got back in to try another trail it popped out again.

    Any suggestions? It is a 1971 single stick D-18. Maybe the new set up is interfering with the linkage somewhere?

    Thanks for any input.

    Jeff Z
     
  2. Jun 21, 2004
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Check the linkage carefully for binding or obstruction not allowing it to fully shift into gear. Also check and see if the body is hitting the shifter. The body's can shift around quite a bit during wheeling and frame flex allows the body to hit the linkages sometimes as well. Also double check the detent springs and make sure they are tight or that one of the plugs didn't come loose and fall out allowing the detent spring and ball to fall out. Nickmil.
     
  3. Jun 21, 2004
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,322
    Thanks Nikmil,

    I'll check all of those things out, it was twisted pretty good and the body comes awful close to the shifter.
    When I check the plug should I be able to see it from underneath? I am hoping this fix will not require taking the trans back out. :( Can I remove the trans cover and get to it?
    Thanks for the input.
    Jeff Z
     
  4. Jun 21, 2004
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Yup. The plugs are on the sides of the front output housing, one on each side. They will be visible on the outside of the housing. They are normally a hex you can get on with a wrench. They are directly outside of where the shift rails go through the housing. There is one on each side. Can be reached from underneath or with the trans cover off. Sounds like maybe the body hitting the shifter. Let us know what you find! Nickmil.
     
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