Hard shift transition between gears

[Roger P.]

My car is at my brother's shop and his mechanics will be making the side yoke repair on my differential and replacing some rear suspension bushings on Friday. While it's on the lift, I thought it would be a good time to address an issue that has been annoying me for a while. About a year ago, I had a new Centerforce clutch & pressure plate installed, as well as a couple of transmission seals replaced. It took some getting used to the new clutch as it released much higher than the old one. However, now my shifting transition between 1st & 2nd and 2nd & 3rd gears is harder - with a "kick" - than I think it should be. It is unlike the smooth, effortless transition that I experience between 3rd & 4th gears. The transmission itself shifts fine, so my guess is that the culprit is a clutch adjustment issue. What do you guys think? Now is a good time to deal with it while the car is lifted and mechanics are hovering below.

Your thoughts are appreciated,
Roger (50141)

[Timothy B.]

Re: Hard shift transition between gears

Roger,

Sounds like the clutch adjustment, make sure the pedal free play is approx 1 to 1 1/2", easy adjustment to make..

[Roger O.]

Re: Hard shift transition between gears

Roger,
Perform this spindown test and if clutch adjustment doesn't fix it you will have to go in further. Common problem is the pilot bushing,some mechanics drive the bushing in too far which reduces the bushings ID and then begins to try and seize the input shaft. If you have a blowproof bellhousing its not uncommon for them to not be centered.
( I'm also not a fan of centerforce clutches. )
Edit- As said above 1-1.5" pedal freeplay is correct but for a "test" I would remove most of the freeplay down to 1/2" to get max disengagement.

[Edward J.]

Re: Hard shift transition between gears

Roger, it sounds to me like the clutch is not totally disengaging,which will make the transiton between gear harder to switch.

Hence, the adjustment of the clutch to lower the pedal to engage quicker , may make the shifting harder to shift,if the disengagment is the problem.

Is there any problems with engagement when putting into 1st or rev.grinding or other wise?