Notchy shifter in TRE AWD Tranny

[BillDCat]

Hi guys,

I have a '95 GSX. I finally got my TRE-rebuilt transmission in and running in my car. It's really notchy, and I have to coax it into gear sometimes, especially into 1st and reverse. It seems worse than before it blew up and I had to send it in.

All the syncros were replaced, as well as most of the gear sets. The center diff exploded, and took out most of the moving parts in the tranny, apparently. So, basically most of the internals are new from the rebuild.

I was wondering if anybody else with TRE-built trannys experienced this. Is there some amount of break in time or something? Is there anything special I need to do?

I would appreciate it if you guys could help me put my fears to rest. Thanks in advance.

-Jon

PS - I filled the tranny with Penzoil Syncromesh (highly recommended by many users here).

 

[Morphius]

I had TRE build up my 90 GSX tranny 2 years ago. 30K miles on it so far, and it shifts like a hot knife in butter. Upon first installation, it shifted stiff. Jon (TRE) should have explained to you that it would shift stiff until broken it. Give it about 5K and it'll be night and day difference. Of course, by that time, you won't notice because you'll have become accustomed to the tranny as it was breaking in.

Make sure you use a GL-5 tranny oil. The spec in the owners manual is wrong. It calls for a GL-4. The GL-4 has additives that will wear your syncros early and add too much friction. Thus, why when you go to a GL-5 fluid it shifts so much smoother.

Did you install a new clutch at the same time? If so, what brand? The step height on the flywheel is critical when surfacing it. Also check the adjustment of your master cylinder input rod. Does your clutch release in the correct position?

Be patient. It'll get better.

 

[splattj]

Did you read the paperwork that came with your transmission? You should use non-synthetic gear lube and be gentle with the transmission for 1500 miles. Then you should change the fluid to remove all the crap that gets shed from parts during the break-in process. After that the transmission should shift much more smoothly. If you have questions email TRE and they'll fill you in.

 

[dave99gst]

ya, my trans was like that to .. ( stilll is some ) i changed oil after 500 miles ( as jon said to do ) he also recomended redline fluid after the first 500 miles. and he also told me it will take a few thou' to wear in. ( i spent like 3 hours talking with him at the shop )

 

[BillDCat]

Thanks, guys, for the info. I figured that I'd have to change the tranny oil after a bit to get the wear-in leftovers out... just like breaking in a new motor. I received no paperwork or instructions with my transmission... not even an invoice. I found that Jon is hard to get a hold of, so I just figured I'd ask you guys.

Thanks for re-assuring me that my 2 grand was well spent!

 

[babell2]

Originally posted by BillDCat
Thanks for re-assuring me that my 2 grand was well spent!

That seems to be Jon's going rate I have 1800 in mine. My rebuild works fine. I have some linkage issues that need work but the trans is great. Look at TRE's web sight for the info on break in. I have the GM syncromesh in mine.