I agree with Will. Good report Andrew!
Thanks
GS -
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
After a week of use I can say that I am pleased with the Hurst shifter for
the NV3500. Shifts are crisp and positive and the throws are shortened by
half. I opted for the "softer" feeling shifter by removing the smaller of
the two springs on either side of the shift mechanism (this is simple and
the
instructions make it very clear). One aspect of the shifter that is not
mentioned in the advertising is the fact that you get increased transmission
noise in the cab. The mechanism responsible for the positive shifter feel
also acts like a big stethoscope. One advantage of this could be an audible
clue to impending transmission problems (synchros, bearings, shift forks
etc...). This brings me to a question/observation. How much transmission
noise is normal? The third, fourth and fifth gears are exceedingly noisy.
Sounds like there are a bunch of marbles in the gearbox. I tested this by
putting the transfer case in neutral and listening to each gear without
actually moving. Humm????
I also decided to change the fluid. Glad as hell I did this. The old fluid
was cloudy and full of brass filings. You could swish it around in the
drain
pan and make art. Like pouring cream into coffee. The drain plug magnet
was
also full of shavings. I suppose some amount of metal on the plug magnet is
normal otherwise there would not be a magnet. I really cannot believe there
is not a recommended service interval for the NV3500. Do it anyway, and
don't wait much longer than 12,000 mi. between changes. This fluid was only
13,000 miles old. I used 50% Mopar MTL, 25 % Redline MTL and 25% Redline MT
90. Really smoothed out the shifting. Despite what the FSM says, I could
only pump in about 4 pints of fluid not 4.8 pints. Anyone else?
P.S. Major tip here to anybody who might perform this mod. Do NOT reuse
the
factory shift tower gasket with the Hurst shifter. They are not compatible
and you will destroy the factory gasket as I did and create a leak. I have
contacted Mr. Gasket and urged them to include stronger warning language in
the instructions to hopefully keep anyone else from making this mistake
Andrew
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:01:09 EDT