Can't Drop Second

[Palution]

Variables that need to be considered:
1998 4.0l 5spd, with 33's and RE 3 1\2 super flex

Ever since I installed my 3 1\2 rubicon express superflex, shifting into second has been harder than usuall. Since I've gotten used to it, but after a recent trip to hollister shit hit the fan. About to begin a trail, I wasn't abble to shift into first or second gear. After playing with it for a while I was able to keep it in first. The whole trip back I had no second gear, and still don't. I took a peak under the tub and I think it's hitting the side of the of body when going into first in second. Where can I find out how to repositioning the linkage so it will no longer hit? Also if you know of any other reasons why this problem (Not able to get into 2nd)would occur. I'd be doing all the work, so Im just looking for a second opinion before I start tearing this thing apart, so I can work smarter and not harder.

Thanks,
Rob

[Jerry Blair]

Probably just hitting the transmission cover. Trim it to fit and you will be fine. I've had the same problem with several TJs with the drop transfer case skidplate.

[Palution]

I took a look under it today, and the whole drive line seems out of alignment. The rear driveshaft seems to be out of alignment towards the passenger side of the vehicle. Possibly the tranny mount is broken?

[ne14jpn]

tranny mount or motor mounts

[apeters89]

step one: check the tranny, motor mounts.
if those are good then go to step two, otherwise replace then, then go to step two
step two: check to make sure the shifter is not hitting the body tub inside your shifter boot. Moving the tranny down (skid-plate/t-case drop) will cause the stick to travel through a different/longer arc which causes it to hit the tub.
if this is the case then cut the offending body tub pieces away.

[mugreentj]

The rear diff on TJs, at least ones with the d35, do have a slightly offset driveshaft to the passenger side.

I am guessing you installed a t-case drop kit with the lift, which will alter shifting. I've heard some say they took care of the problem by removing the rubber shifter boot.

good luck

[Po' riggity]

sounds to me like you need to trim the body away under the shifter boot.
Scott

[2nuts4u]

some kits give you a little drop piece, if you dropped your transfercase you have too use this too keep the linkage in line. with a tailshaft kit it is not needed. it mounts to your linkage right under the shifter and it uses 4 bolts.

[TotalImmortal]

back in the day when i had a tranny drop i removed the shifter boot and all my problems faded away.....

[Palution]

Thanks for all the replys, I ordered a new transmission mount and we'll see if that fixes on thursday.