HELP: Problems with Manual Tranny and PowerTrax NoSlip

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:25 pm

I have recently installed a PowerTrax NoSlip in my rear.
I have a problem when I shift from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. I have to wait about 5 seconds or be extremely lucky in order to not feel any grinding when I shift. Sometimes when I do wait, it feels like it grinds just a little bit.

Has anyone else had this problem?

I think the powertrax works correctly because I never have a problem with it when I am not shifting. I drove all the way to work in second and had no problem.

It seems to me that the way the powertrax works is it would keep varying the speed of the drive shaft when it is not being powered by the engine for a few seconds and then on and off after that as it engages the wheels and releases them.
This would also be why automatics don't suffer from this problem because they shift almost instantly giving less time for the powertrax to toy with the synchronization.

Does this make sense to anyone?

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:20 am

Well, tonight I took it out and put it in 4wd and drove. This solved the shifting problem of grinding gears.

This, I think, proves my idea that the locker is the one causing problems.

I think I will go by a shop tomorrow and look into what it will take to get an ARB locker for the rear. Unless someone can tell me a way to fix this problem another way. I really do like this locker other than the fact that it is fighting my transmission.

hoss75 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:38 am

Have you contacted Richmond Gear (the makers of the Powertrax) and told them about your issues? Maybe they'd have some input.

GPR65 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:16 pm

Same Problem with mine that is why i replaced it with the auburn. the powertrax made my manual tranny shift like crap. That is why i am trying to sell it to somebody with an automatic cause those guys dont have any trouble.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:42 pm

He said Poo-Poo

Steakgoddess · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:44 pm

So, is this a pretty common problem for manual transmissions, then?

GPR65 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:03 pm

just for the record i didnt say poopoo. the computer changed it for me. i said c r a p!!!

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Fri Jul 22, 2005 6:55 pm

Well, I just ordered an ARB locker and BoulderBars so soon after I go through the pain of waiting for it all to come in, I will be a happy person again.

From what Clint said, this is a common problem for the manual trannsmission and powertrax combos.

If anyone is interstead in my PowerTrax NoSlip for the stock LSD, please PM or email me and we can discuss price.

LOST KJ · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:25 pm **Posts:** 5

He said Poo-Poo
lol

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Sun Jul 24, 2005 4:52 pm

GPR65 wrote:

Same Problem with mine that is why i replaced it with the auburn. the powertrax made my manual tranny shift like poo poo. That is why i am trying to sell it to somebody with an automatic cause those guys dont have any trouble.

how much you want for it? how old is it and is it for the non lsd carrier?

thanks,
Jeff

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:09 am

For those of you interested in buying it check it out:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=648

Burchie · **Posted:** Mon Aug 01, 2005 12:43 am

Pulled this out of the archives... I'm looking at a PowerTrax for my TJ. It's a manual tranny. Am I going to have the same problems?

-mark

InCommando · **Posted:** Mon Aug 01, 2005 8:34 am

With the shorter wheelbase of the TJ, these problems will probably be even more pronounced...

Burchie · **Posted:** Mon Aug 01, 2005 1:39 pm

That wasn't what I wanted to hear. How come I have never heard of the problem before this post. Has everyone with a manual tranny had this same problem.??? I'm so confused. :?:

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:52 pm

The other person whom I found who had the powertrax and manual replaced his for the same reason.

I think the reason why you haven't heard of it is because very few people have manuals. And the few that do, might be "manual" enough to go with an ARB or they are cheap enough they went with a LSD or something like that.

Also, if there are 1000 people on here, and 1/10 of them has a manual and only 1/10 has upgraded their diff, then that would meant that there are only 10 people who have upgraded there diff. I seriously doubt that 1/10 people have manuals because in the entire year that I was looking for a new car, I found 3 manual Jeep Liberties and 1 manual (used) Xterra and no manual Kia Sorentos.

fmc1 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:34 am **Posts:** 19

These guys tested the Power Trax unit with a 5-speed rig and did not seem to have any unexpended results.

http://www.4x4wire.com/reviews/no-slip/review/

This is a fairly old review, if anything the unit should be much improved since then.

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:30 pm

I finally took the time to look at this site, sorry to take so long.

I think that because the KJ has a more blocky manual tranny (I am sure you have noticed it is not as forgiving as some other truck trannys out there) that they probably didn't notice it.

The synchronization is only slightly off, its not like when you forget to clutch, or do the clutchless shift 5mph too fast. It is like 2 teeth hit when you shifted and sometimes a little worse. If the tranny was a little more forgiving, I doubt I would even notice it.

That is probably why they never noticed it.

If you have a different experience with the PowerTrax, please speak up. If you do not, then I recomend that you look for a equivelent priced LSD or save up your money and go with an ARB locker.

fmc1 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:34 am **Posts:** 19

The NV3550 5-speed transmission that is used in all V-6 2002-2004 KJs is used in lots of other vehicles as well, Dakotas, Wranglers, and Chevy S10s just to name a few. I just don’t see how there could be an inherent problem with just this transmission and a PowerTrax. The rig in this link has an NV3500 and a PowerTrax in both the front and the rear.

http://www.firewalker4x4.org/rides/daveg.htm

It would be a shame for you to pay the big bucks for the ARB unit and find out that you had a different problem.

broncsrule · **Posted:** Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:58 pm

I don't understand why it has an effect on the tranny/shifting gears, but I can say that it cuased my tranny not to shift as smoothe as it did before installing the unit. I have since removed it due to a defective spacer. I probably won't reinstall the unit if it turns out to be "typical on-road manners".
I wish it would work as well for me as others due to price/performance but it seems unlikely at this point.

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Wed Jul 19, 2006 1:24 am

I should give an update on this, about 4 months ago, I changed my differential to an ARB and it fixed all of my shifting problems.

I have not felt the poor shifting like when I had the power trax since.

HELP: Problems with Manual Tranny and PowerTrax NoSlip

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