1978 Jeep CJ7 Wont Shift

1978 JEEP CJ7

IMONABOAT

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Transmission problem
1978 Jeep CJ7 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual n/a miles

I have a 78 CJ 7 with a 3 speed tranny, the clutch wasn't disengaging so I dropped the tranny and had to replace the driven clutch plate and the pressure plate. In order to drop the tranny I had to remove the shifting assembly from the top of the tranny. But now the tranny wont shift into any gears other then reverse. The shifter moves into each gear location seemingly fine but reverse and first position make the jeep go backwards and the second and third gear location make the jeep shutter and stall. I cant see how this is possible with such a basic design?

Apr 21, 2010 at 5:03 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

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See my profile, You have a T-150 tranny and a model 20 transfer case. I do not think this "DEAL" is that bad.

I am now researching my 1979 AMC Service Manual, so that I can explain what to do, In a better manner, than the way I usually come across (confusing!).

I will return really soon, with a more personal, EZ to understand and what to do ANSWER (Better than what some cats here, will take the time to do).

Give me 20 minutes, you look thru the recent CJ 5 and CJ 7 forums, Thats the the way, I answer, in detail!

Love, Turddog

Apr 21, 2010 at 5:44 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

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The bad thing here, is I do not have one apart to take a pic, I just sorta know from doing this, by "feel", please bear with me. If I am wrong, tell me and we will re-group and try till its together I believe this thing----WILL NOT---- go back together with EVERY ITEM in NEUTRAL ON THE SHIFT TOWER: I think the front fork is the 2nd and 3rd shifter, and the "stick" must be in 2nd gear position, (making fork move rearward, CLEARING THE CASE, to drop in. The other fork is BLOCKED from moving (1st and reverse) AND REMAINS in the Neutral Position (When one rod is moved from neutral, a "poppet ball", prevents the other rod from moving, thus keeping you from shifting into "multiple" gears at the same time, and locking the tranny up!) IN THE TRANNY : The big collar, UP FRONT (sycronizer sleeve) needs to be pulled rearward (locking 2nd gear IN) The other syncronizer is at the rear of the tranny, It has a groove for the fork to ride in, and looks like a straight (fluted or gear) made on the rear. If you push it foward and rearward it will lock gears together ( The front syncronizer may have to be in neutral TEMPORARILY to get rear syncronizer CENTERED (neutral) Once you figure out CENTER of the rear syncronizer, leave it therethen put the FRONT one back in 2nd (front sleeve locked rearward) GUIDE your forks into the SYNCRONIZER FORK GROOVES and sit the TOWER in place. install 2 diagonal bolts, then test operation. Moving the syncronizers, may require you to spin (move) shafts or rock the vehicle to get them to move, A brass or similar punch may be needed to "GENTLY PERSUADE" the syncronizers to move fore and aft. SHOULD I BE WRONG--try the tower in neutral and neutral tranny (both syncronizers, lined up in Center Positions!) That should be you, Buddy Love, Turddog

Apr 21, 2010 at 6:29 PM

IMONABOAT

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You got it right buddy, today I poped off the shifter assembly and moved the shifting collars until i got a neutral position and did the same with the shifter and it works like shes brand new.
thanks for your help even tho i ended up figurine it out.

Apr 22, 2010 at 3:46 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

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11,004 POSTS

Turddog is wonderful!

You can't do that! Turddog fixed that puppy last night while you were asleep (see time of post)

I can't help it you did not talk to me 1st, before attempting to tear it up yourself!

He sent you a "PM" ...Jew get it?

We can keep going, just put your next question in as a reply to me!

Investigate other CJ 5 and CJ 7 posts, I have really got some good ones w/ pics to help on other problems you might have....keep questions flowing here at this post!

Love, Turddog

Apr 22, 2010 at 4:02 PM