Clutch Question

[Tn CJ Fan]

I want opinions please. I'm having some issues with my 1980 CJ7 . Specs: Original inline 6 with factory 4 speed.

My problem is the Transmission gets hard to shift after about 30 or 40 minutes of normal city driving. I've tried to adjust the shift linkage to try to improve shifting, but it hasn't helped. The Transmission leaks fluid, but I keep it topped off and check it regularly. Initially it shifts okay but as you drive it the shifting gets worse.

I'm wondering could it be that as the fluid gets warm from driving the Transmission may be showing its true condition. Bent forks or severly worn gears. If the mileage is correct the Jeep has 137000 miles roughly. There is no grinding it just seems to get harder to down shift, or change into gears overall.

My plans are to upgrade to a 5 speed in a year so I don't want to waste allot of money on the 4 speed.

The mechanical clutch linkage is pretty cobled, but it seems to travel correctly.

Should I

A: Replace the worn and cobled clutch linkage?
B: Consider upgrading to a hydraulic clutch system?
C: Pull the Transmission and look at the shifting forks?

Other options?

Oh yes almost forgot could a worn Transmission mount or motor mounts cause this? The motor mounts seem okay or at leats the motor isn't moving under acceleration, but the Transmission mount is pretty crappy.

Sorry for the long post. I just want to give all the info I can think of.

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[hole]

I'd try draining the fluid and give Synchromesh a try. Made a world of difference in my T-5

 

[Torxhead]

Along with changing the fluid, I would suggest looking underneath at the clutch bellcrank. Its rotary axis should be perpendicular to the frame. If not that is usually means tired motor and tranny mounts, along with noticing the rear of the valve cover getting close to hitting the firewall.

 

[Flex BT]

I'll second that comment, try the easiest / cheapest fix first. It worked wonders for mine, too.

 

[Tn CJ Fan]

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[Tn CJ Fan]

I posted some pics of the valve cover to firewall clearence. It's about 1 inch. Also I tried to post some pics of the clutch linkage. Not sure if you can tell anything.

I had considered changing the Transmission fluid, but with it leaking I thought maybe I should buy a gasket set for it and the Transfer Case to try to lessen the leaks. I realize that is a loosing battle.

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[Tn CJ Fan]

Sorry the pics are screwy. I took them using my tablet and thought they would rotate correctly when I posted them.

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[Torxhead]

I measured the valve cover/firewall clearance on my '86 and I get around 1 1/2", but I have the M.O.R.E. Bombproof Motor mounts which cost a fortune. I can't really see how off kilter your bell crank is, but it does not appear to be that serious. If the motor mounts do get tired and the engine shifts too far back it will put too much load on the clutch bell crank pivot pins and will cause one on them to break. I would suggest changing that tranny fluid first and see how that works. Not sure which 4 speed you have, probably the T-4 or the T-176 . The T-176 is known to be a good tranny, while the T-4 and T-5 are said to be quite weak, but the T-5 does have that Overdrive which will allow you to go to lower diff gears and still travel at highway speeds O.K. Plus the two weaker trannys have a lower first gear than the stronger T-176 .

 

[Tn CJ Fan]

I believe mine is the T-4 . I'll try the fluid swap first. Then drive it a bit and see if it improves. I'm trying to keep it drivable for the time being. It serves as a nackup vehicle for the wife and I, and only gets deiven occasionally.

My plans are a ful teardown and resto in a few years. In the meantime thanks for the input. I'll report back if the fluid change does the trick.

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[Lumpy Grits]

IF the tranny is leak'n. Along with the Penn Synrco oil change. Add a bottle of Lucas, Power Steering Stop Leak.
Are you SURE that 'leak' isn't from the back of the valve cover?
When did you ck the tranny oil level last?
Same for the t'case.
Post some pictures of the tranny and we can tell you what you have.
What oil are you now using in this tranny?
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

One thing that jumps out at me in your picture, where is your clutch dust cover? Now that's a very good way to destroy your clutch,