Stock '92 cherokee(10/91 build) 4x4 5spd ax-15. Bought at 80K drove to 145K then had trans rebuilt. Immediately noticed that each move of the shifter seemed to 'catch' as it went between all 5 gears. It went into 1st & reverse OK. Shop removed it and supposedly went through it again w/o improving issue. When complained more-finally they told me that it was working properly. BS_ Original never did that-ever. After 3 years & 12K I just couldn't stand it and had another rebuilt put in it (SmartParts) and that is doing the same thing. Can any of you tell me what the Hell is going on or where to begin looking for the problem?

 

By catching, do you mean it seems to hang up a little going into gear or....? If so, I've got a AX-5 in mine and it has a little pause there with each gear, except reverse. I believe that it's because the synchro's are getting the gears lined up, but I could be wrong. On another possible cause, what kind of fluid are you running in it? I use Redline MT-90 and I love it!

 

What it feels like is that there is interference as the shift is being made. I can't tell if it is syncros or something that isn't lined up quite right. Imagine that as you pull the shifter from 1-2; 2-3;3-4 it feels like there is something sticking out on the left that wants to kick the shifter to the right and prevent a smooth straight line movement. It can be jarring at times and I doubt the xmission could be fast shifted were it necessary in an avoidance situation. Fluid is 75-90 synthetic per builder

 

One more thing; Is the fluid you're using GL-5? If so, STOP using it and change immediately! GL-5 has a high sulfur content in it and eats away the brass synchros in our transmissions. I think GL-4 is okay, but I'm using Redline MT-90 and it's been perfect so far. Apperantly 10w-30 is also approved, but I don't know if it's a specific brand/type.

EDIT: You can use GL-5, but ONLY, again, ONLY if the bottle or manufacture states "Safe for Yellow Metals."

 

I used no brand 10-30 and it's worked fine

 

No hard shifting or anything? I might end up putting 10w-30 in my AX-5 when I change it next time.

 

It seemed to shift smoother I have 285000 miles on mine though