Manual Transmission - Issues shifting into 1st & Reverse (Compilation thread)

[OldGuyNewJeep]

So this is finally getting to the point where it's every intersection. I've got some decisions to make.

I checked a few FB groups and people have said that McLeod and the updated South Bend seem to be the best ones.

Has anyone had either of these for 2+ years/ 30k mi? Looking to see if this will solve this issue for good. I have no problem replacing it and keeping the Jeep, but as I said previously I really don't want to have to do some intensive maintenance every year or shell out thousands in another few years to replace it again.

South Bend is just the stock clutch with different materials and tooling. Why bother?

Don’t know anything about McLeod, but like that it has its own hydraulics like the latest CF with internal slave.

Doubt anything will solve the problem. @Toycrusher explained very well what happening (even on stock setups).

I had ACT and took it out. Don’t care what they say, stock hydraulics will eventually let in air because they’re overtaxed. Being unable to pull out of gear and/or starting Jeep and having it suddenly lurch because clutch was fully engaged with pedal to floor was my breaking point. Also got sick and tired of constantly bleeding the damn thing only to have issue return in a day or two.

My CFII with internal slave is great. I do get the issue described in this thread, but I’ve developed muscle memory to workaround it and it’s no longer a bother.

All of that is to say: McLeod seems a better bet than South Bend.

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[eastern]

Regardless of the cause, just understand that finessing with ACT (like selecting higher gear before 1st/2nd, playing with throttle...) is a temporary fix. Once you start feeling lock outs, you are on borrowed time before it gets worse and worse to the point you will have to use force just to get out of gears.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Regardless of the cause, just understand that finessing with ACT (like selecting higher gear before 1st/2nd, playing with throttle...) is a temporary fix. Once you start feeling lock outs, you are on borrowed time before it gets worse and worse to the point you will have to use force just to get out of gears.

Exactly my experience.

Soooo… anyone want to buy my ACT with 10k miles on it?

 

[Toycrusher]

I'll say again, I have about 10k miles on my latest Centerforce and it's not exhibited any of the sticking behavior. It has a very very soft take-up, I'd describe it as "fluffy".
It slips more smoothly as you engage the clutch, not grabby, which helps it to break friction and release as you want it to when releasing the clutch.

 

[eastern]

But to your question about the clutch, I'd contact Dirk at ACT and express your issue with the clutch. He was going to change something last year. I haven't heard anymore about them changing anything.

I may have missed it, the only mentions of changes I remember reading is in regard to "roaring wookie" sound that it tends to make.

 

[fczabala]

I’m at 23k miles on my revised ACT clutch
Still shifting smooth (knock on wood)

 

[RubiSc0tt]

I’m at 23k miles on my revised ACT clutch
Still shifting smooth (knock on wood)

Any idea what is revised about it? Curious to know any changes.

 

[fczabala]

Any idea what is revised about it? Curious to know any changes.

nickel plated hub

 

[RubiSc0tt]

nickel plated hub

interesting. Which kit did you go with, out of curiosity?

 

[fczabala]

interesting. Which kit did you go with, out of curiosity?

JP6-HDSS

 

[roaniecowpony]

If I'm not mistaken, SadRobot had the nickel plated spline disk installed in this jeep.

 

[fczabala]

If I'm not mistaken, SadRobot had the nickel plated spline disk installed in this jeep.

she did

 

[eastern]

nickel plated hub

This thread already has enough misleading bs as is, what is the source for that?

Both the original purchase in 2024 and replacement in 2025 of my were nickel plated.
If you look at the pics on page 45 it looks like that user also had his plated, post on page 59 is hard to tell.

 

[fczabala]

This thread already has enough misleading bs as is, what is the source for that?

Both the original purchase in 2024 and replacement in 2025 of my were nickel plated.
If you look at the pics on page 45 it looks like that user also had his plated, post on page 59 is hard to tell.

huh?

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