Difficult to shift - 1st & 2nd gear

[binwma]

91 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L, 1-6, 5 speed. Here are my questions.

1. In 1st gear, when car starts to move, about 20mph, it's difficult to upshift to 2nd gear, so I needed to shift to 3rd gear instead. 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are working fine. Likewise, it wouldn't let me downshift back into 2nd and 1st gear when driving at about 15mph or the jeep has to come to a nearly total stop so can be downshifted.

2. In any speed, the jeep is wandering left and right a little big. The steering wheel feels kind of loose when driving. It also feel loosing even when the jeep isn't moving at all.

Any solutions?! Thanks!

Ben

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by binwma

91 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L, 1-6, 5 speed. Here are my questions.

1. In 1st gear, when car starts to move, about 20mph, it's difficult to upshift to 2nd gear, so I needed to shift to 3rd gear instead. 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are working fine. Likewise, it wouldn't let me downshift back into 2nd and 1st gear when driving at about 15mph or the jeep has to come to a nearly total stop so can be downshifted.

2. In any speed, the jeep is wandering left and right a little big. The steering wheel feels kind of loose when driving. It also feel loosing even when the jeep isn't moving at all.

Any solutions?! Thanks!

Ben

After 14 years, things get worn.

1. I'd think synchronizers in the transmission; try double clutching (there are posts here on AF about it) and see if that makes things work. Over time the synchros wear and no longer do their job. I've seen several posts where shifts weren't going right, and in my '97, 2nd gear would grind if I tried to shift fast.

2. Sounds like front end parts are in order. Jack up the vehicle and look under there, have a friend turn the wheel. Look for slack in any part. It could be anything from ball joints, tie rod ends, or other steering linkage, or even the steering box.