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5 speed manual ??

Big Mike

Well-Known Member
Messages
214
Location
The Republik of Upstate New York..
Didn't find much in my searches.. :huh:

Anything I need to know or watch out for on the 5 speed tranny other than don't destroy the clutch when wheeling ??

One thing I do need is the trim piece for the top of the stick that has the shift pattern on it...I'd rather not have to buy that whole assembly..

It would appear part #1 (unless I'm missing something) the shift knob, boot, and stick are all one piece ?? :huh:

041201TN04-100.jpg
 

Steve #1

Well-Known Member
Messages
534
Location
TEXAS
I don't think I've heard of more than maybe one issue with the AR5 which seemed pretty random.

Yes, they are sold as one piece and the part with the shift pattern is chrome so the first time the sun hits it while you are driving and you get blinded you will wish it were gone.
 

cbetts

NERD!!!
Messages
3,188
Location
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I have been wheeling mine pretty hard. There are a few safety things to learn, like always keep it in gear. You will also have to learn the technique for stopping in the middle of a hill and start moving again without rolling back.

As far as the dependability of the AR5, it is actually pretty beefy. I know of several people owning a Pontiac Solstice that are pushing over 400HP through the beast. I am also at 95K miles on mine with a lot of heavy freeway driving and harsh off roading.

If you are swapping from an auto, you will need everything in the diagram. That lower boot keeps things pretty clean. Here is a link to my album from swapping out shifters. :link:
 

Big Mike

Well-Known Member
Messages
214
Location
The Republik of Upstate New York..
I have been wheeling mine pretty hard. There are a few safety things to learn, like always keep it in gear. You will also have to learn the technique for stopping in the middle of a hill and start moving again without rolling back.

As far as the dependability of the AR5, it is actually pretty beefy. I know of several people owning a Pontiac Solstice that are pushing over 400HP through the beast. I am also at 95K miles on mine with a lot of heavy freeway driving and harsh off roading.

If you are swapping from an auto, you will need everything in the diagram. That lower boot keeps things pretty clean. Here is a link to my album from swapping out shifters. :link:

I saw that thread in my searches if I can't locate that little shift pattern trim piece (having it missing will bug me) I may just go the same route you did....Clutch felt good on my test drive no bearing chatter or anything so hopefully it will be ok when I pick it up from the dealer later this AM..

My main concern with the 5 speed was wheeling and clutch abuse, but I drive a 18 speed Kenworth all week long so I'm well practiced in shifting in shall we say "odd" conditions.....we shall see !!

Thanks for the reply..
 

cbetts

NERD!!!
Messages
3,188
Location
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I saw that thread in my searches if I can't locate that little shift pattern trim piece (having it missing will bug me) I may just go the same route you did....Clutch felt good on my test drive no bearing chatter or anything so hopefully it will be ok when I pick it up from the dealer later this AM..

My main concern with the 5 speed was wheeling and clutch abuse, but I drive a 18 speed Kenworth all week long so I'm well practiced in shifting in shall we say "odd" conditions.....we shall see !!

Thanks for the reply..

I also was a truck driver for a number of years. You will have the instinct to drive off road properly. you will find wheeling easier once you drop into low range on the t-case. I had concerns about my clutch when I put the 35" tires on. Lost a little engine braking capability but that is all. I replaced my first clutch at 75K. I went the 35" tires shortly after.
 

cbetts

NERD!!!
Messages
3,188
Location
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I forgot . . . I may have an extra top cap for you. I have no plans on putting my stock shifter back in now that I have gotten used to the short stroke. If I find it, consider it yours.
 

Big Mike

Well-Known Member
Messages
214
Location
The Republik of Upstate New York..
I also was a truck driver for a number of years. You will have the instinct to drive off road properly. you will find wheeling easier once you drop into low range on the t-case. I had concerns about my clutch when I put the 35" tires on. Lost a little engine braking capability but that is all. I replaced my first clutch at 75K. I went the 35" tires shortly after.

My last offroad rig was a lifted JK Unlimited on 35's but it was an auto...Got rid of it because the new Jeeps IMO are plastic and cheaply built...This HUMMER, on my test drives anyway, just felt much more solid and better built...As for which is better for wheeling in the tight and rocky woods of upstate NY we're gonna find that one out !

I forgot . . . I may have an extra top cap for you. I have no plans on putting my stock shifter back in now that I have gotten used to the short stroke. If I find it, consider it yours.

Thanks man..
 

backcountryislife

Well-Known Member
Messages
858
Location
Dumont, CO
I did the opposite swap... I just wanted the front axle... the rest.,.. MEH, whatever. :D

I'd say if you're going to wheel hard stuff, the 4:1 T case makes all the difference in the world to avoid smoking the clutch. On hard features, witohut it, slipping the clutch is the only option, and a few pokes at something can get you heated up & slippery pretty easily. Once I went to the 4:1 t case... GRAVY. Easier than my JK for sure, when it had 4:10 gears. (jk is a manual as well obviously... not being a city sally, I drive a real transmission ;) )
 

Mr_Rich

Well-Known Member
Messages
667
Location
Yucaipa & Santa Maria
I have been wheeling mine pretty hard. There are a few safety things to learn, like always keep it in gear. You will also have to learn the technique for stopping in the middle of a hill and start moving again without rolling back.

As far as the dependability of the AR5, it is actually pretty beefy. I know of several people owning a Pontiac Solstice that are pushing over 400HP through the beast. I am also at 95K miles on mine with a lot of heavy freeway driving and harsh off roading.

If you are swapping from an auto, you will need everything in the diagram. That lower boot keeps things pretty clean. Here is a link to my album from swapping out shifters. :link:

With the aid of the hydraulic brake assist I thought our trucks were equipped with "hill assist" (help from rolling back...), or am I mistaken? ;^)
 

Mr_Rich

Well-Known Member
Messages
667
Location
Yucaipa & Santa Maria
I have been wheeling mine pretty hard. There are a few safety things to learn, like always keep it in gear. You will also have to learn the technique for stopping in the middle of a hill and start moving again without rolling back.

As far as the dependability of the AR5, it is actually pretty beefy. I know of several people owning a Pontiac Solstice that are pushing over 400HP through the beast. I am also at 95K miles on mine with a lot of heavy freeway driving and harsh off roading.

If you are swapping from an auto, you will need everything in the diagram. That lower boot keeps things pretty clean. Here is a link to my album from swapping out shifters. :link:

I bookmarked http://www.novak-adapt.com

It's a helpful website regarding conversions. There's good info on AR5/ AX15 trans. I also wondered about an NSG370 swap; lower first gear ratio and six gear choices. Then I read an article that the AX15 is a better trans than the NSG370. *Poof* went that idea....
 

cbetts

NERD!!!
Messages
3,188
Location
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
With the aid of the hydraulic brake assist I thought our trucks were equipped with "hill assist" (help from rolling back...), or am I mistaken? ;^)

Definitely not on my year (2006). I have never heard about it on other years.

Fortunately, the gas and brake are pretty close. I am able to use my right foot to run both when stuck on a hill climb.
 

backcountryislife

Well-Known Member
Messages
858
Location
Dumont, CO
My 07 came with hill assist... it was installed each time I got in the truck, and was attached to the bottom of my left leg ;)

I've used it in other rigs... have to admit it's a pretty cool feature.
 

H3slate

Brush raked
Messages
983
Location
Tualatin, Oregon
I have found that wheeling is a lot easier when you keep it in 4 low. In 4 low I can put it in third and make it through and to most obstacles. Running too much in 4 high will have you smoking your clutch. The hill starts are challenging, but not impossible. Mine has held up well for 100000 miles.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
 

Steve #1

Well-Known Member
Messages
534
Location
TEXAS
I have found that wheeling is a lot easier when you keep it in 4 low. In 4 low I can put it in third and make it through and to most obstacles. Running too much in 4 high will have you smoking your clutch. The hill starts are challenging, but not impossible. Mine has held up well for 100000 miles.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

I use 4 low most of the time off road because of the manual trans Just mind your speed and use 2nd gear where you would normally use 1st unless you need it.

Also as a caution, I've only had it happen once that I can remember but it was a big one. When reversing up a incline make sure the trans does not slip out of gear. I had this happen and just about ran over Green1.
 
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