JDM Tranny

[bmwmc]

I have a newly acquired Tracker with 160,000 miles.  I like it a lot, but tranny grinds a bit going into 2nd.  Transfer case grinds a bit going from 2X to 4X High when moving.  I think it should do that without a problem.  Finally to the question- does anyone have experience with JDM traanies?  I have located a 5sp & transfer case advertised to have less than 60,000 miles.  It would cost me about $400 with shipping.  I seriously doubt I could rebuild trans and transfer for that.  Opinions?

[Whitfield]

The T-case isn't synchronized. 
Just shafts and gears moving at the same speed so yes you can shift in and out while moving but it isn't like the new cookie cutter chain drive 4x4's of today.

The bearing and syncro kit is under $200 shipped (as I recall). 

A compotent tranny guy could rebuild it on the side for Christmas $$$ if you pull it out and put it in.  May of these guys are still hourly @12-18 pr hr.  So $200 for him to rebuild your trans would be profitable for him.


I bought a JDM tranny (Japanese Take Out) back in 1995 for my Samurai ~ Same story. 

The bearings in the tranny I bough were noisy (my old tranny was broken).  45 day warranty on my import tranny / they offered to exchange it for another /  I requested they pay for a bearing kit and I would put it in.  They did, I rebuilt it and all was well.       


Major snag for any manual trans is if the input shaft (Pilot bearing surface is damaged)

[bmwmc]

Thanks.  Good to know not to worry about the transfer case, as it works fine otherwise.  Doing a rebuild sounds like more of a guarantee of getting a good tranny than buying another used unit.

[Uncivilized]

They're not flawless, make sure you're not under load when switching into 4hi. It will also grind if  your hubs are unlocked.
Mine grinds in second too

[Whitfield]

They're not flawless, make sure you're not under load when switching into 4hi. It will also grind if  your hubs are unlocked.
Mine grinds in second too

On occation mine too ~  Of no concern to me as it is rare and seems to be more a cold gear oil thing.

[bmwmc]

They're not flawless, make sure you're not under load when switching into 4hi. It will also grind if  your hubs are unlocked.
Mine grinds in second too

Mine has auto hubs, so I am not sure how quickly they engage when the transfer case is shifted into 4H.  The 2nd gear grind is not so bad I would pull the tranny to fix.  But I plan on a spring  time diesel swap.  I will want to do something while the tranny is out anyway.

[Whitfield]

As I understand the Kick trans is one of the simpler 5-spds to replace bearings and syncros, pick up a dirt chaep parts trans off the board and rebuild it yourself while not having to suffer unnecessary down  time. 

Then resell your old 5-spd after your diesel swap. 

[IanL]

Mine has auto hubs, so I am not sure how quickly they engage when the transfer case is shifted into 4H. 

They engage after about 5 ft of rolling - it depends on tyre diameter.  They have to be engaged by moving off from rest, and they will stay engaged if you move from 4H to 2H and back again whilst on the move.

They disengage by stopping, selecting 2H and moving a little in the reverse direction.

[bmwmc]

They engage after about 5 ft of rolling - it depends on tyre diameter.  They have to be engaged by moving off from rest, and they will stay engaged if you move from 4H to 2H and back again whilst on the move.

They disengage by stopping, selecting 2H and moving a little in the reverse direction.

Owner's manual says 2H to 4H can be accomplished on the fly.  Your explanation sounds like that is not true.  Is that what you mean?  I usually do stop first.

[t0nKaTrAcKeR]

2H to 4H shift on the fly can only be done once the hubs are locked in

[IanL]

2H to 4H shift on the fly can only be done once the hubs are locked in

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