T4 Transmission problems

[The Leakster]

Ok, so I know the T-4 tranny is weak, but I don't want to do a conversion at this time. Here is what it's doing; for about a year, periodically grinds into 1st and reverse; the last few months the same but when the tranny gets hot all gears hard to shift; this weekend got about 8 miles from home and would only shift into 4th and neutral. Managed to get it home in 4th gear (clutch was begging me to stop), after I got home it shifted through all gears smooth as butter. Took out for a short drive later, grinds a bit going into 3rd. I run Pennzoil syncromesh in it, when I changed the gear oil a couple years ago, after I bought the Jeep, the fluid I drained was very milky. After the fluid change it shifted great (I changed due to hard shifting). When checking the fluid level a couple months ago, I noticed the fluid looked slightly milky, then I noticed the shifter boot is mostly dry rotted away. I wonder if its possible water has gotten in the case and this could cause the previous mentioned issues. I thought about draining the fluid and running ATF for a few miles to clean it out and drain it and put Syncromesh back in and of course a new shifter boot. Do guys think I should just pull the tranny have it rebuilt? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Hedgehog]

I believe you know the answer on this one and you are going to get dirty. Of course there will be the usual clutch questions and engine/Transmission mount replies. ...... If you have an open jeep a surprising amount of water will run down the shift lever right straight into the transmission. Keeping your boot in good shape is far more important than just looks.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

'Milky' is water in the oil-You have been play'n in water and now will pay the price.
CHANGE the oil, ASAP--
How much clutch pedal freeplay do you have?
LG

 

[The Leakster]

I have around 1" of free play, though the clutch linkage could use an upgrade, it has a bit of wear.