Hard Shifting

[OB]

So i've been dealing with a hard-shifting issue for a few months now. It's been getting progressively worse. I removed my STS because it was just getting too difficult to shift, and now im on boogs and a stock assembly. At first it was notchy into first, and now it seems to be in all forward gears. I have the linkage adjusted perfectly, and ive eliminated everything one step at a time. Since it happens when the engine is off, the clutch and synchros are out of the picture (whew!). This really only leaves the shift forks, the gears in the trans, or the linkage itself. Since the trans only has 28k miles on it, im guessing the synchros are the least likely of those. A knowledgeable friend told me that the MTL gear oil I run in the trans could be causing premature failure of the plastic shift forks in the trans. Does anyone know whether or not the forks are indeed made of plastic/similar material in the T350? I have a gut feeling that the linkage is the culprit, and failed from being beat on too much during the multiple assembly and disassembly of the shifter assembly. My main question is, what does a new shift linkage cost and if anyone has it (hey BRR) what is the P/N for a new linkage? Thanks in advance

[occasional demons]

4668268 $153.00 CABLE GEARSHIFT CONT
That is for 2001 model year, 2005 may be different? they show them as being the same PN# for both cables. I would disconnect the cables at the transmission and see if the shifter is still hard to move, that should eliminate the trans, or the shifter/cables. Check the Detent shaft and Crossover lever (the two shafts that go into the trans) for binding. If the '05 cables are the same you could swap them to see if the problem follows to reverse, altho that would be a PITA and my last resort. I guess if you need new cables then it is a matter of how much a bone yard wants and how much hassle you want to go through to get them VS spendin' $153 - $306 list price depending on if you needed both or one.

[NickKo]

Does anyone know whether or not the forks are indeed made of plastic/similar material in the T350?

I believe that they are indeed plastic.... well, not the whole fork, but the pads on the end are.

This ^ has been discussed out on "The.Org".
I will have to find that thread and cross-post it back up here, when I get time.

-Nick

[NickKo]

Wait a minute, I found it !!

http://forums.neons.org/viewtopic.php?t=302096&start=75

-Nick

[OB]

^ I had a feeling.

Ok im gonna try to narrow it down a bit more ill post up with results. Thanks for the input fellas.

[BlackRoseRacing]

As per the info I was told:
T-350 fluid recommendations starting with the best first:
1 - Amsoil MTF
2 - Mopar T350 MTF
3 - Mobil 1 ATF+4(manufactured after Oct 07)
4 - Mopar/Valvoline ATF+4

These are the recommendations I was giving for best protection and lubrication....
PS - RoyalPurple has not been tested.....

I'd try a quick fluid change then see what happens. If the problem continues, do what was recommended above...

[OB]

I thought about that, but realized that if the fluid was the issue, it most likely means that the damage is done. If it had something to do with the viscocity of the fluid, the issue would have been apparent immediatly, not 3-4 months after the fact. So in theory a fluid change is 99% not going to solve anything, and if the fluid did indeed damage the selector forks, im in big trouble. I still havent gotten around to isolating the linkage from the trans to see if that's the issue, so i'm gonna do that asap. A fluid change might also be on the list simply for piece of mind as well.