7sp MT minor issue

[Blksn955.o]

There does seem to be some notchy-ness to the 2nd and 4th gear engagement. I am also used to my Mustang that has a short throw with adj stops so I am used to a firm hard stop. The 2nd and 4th does smooth put when warm and will probably end up swapping out the fluid for some red line.

Sponsored

 

[nbdybeatsthewiz]

I have MT also and I noticed this when I first picked up my Bronco. I'mm 5500 miles in (thanks to a few road trips) and its smoothed out quite a bit. I don't notice it at all anymore

 

[Mr. Nice]

One of Granger’s demos is a Big Bend with a 7MT. Was very smooth IMO and I’ve had manual transmissions for the past 50 years.

Of coarse everything is better at "Granger", or so people think. Something in the water there?

 

[GaryB2220]

Solves isn't the right word.

What I meant was, 2nd wasn't designed to be the initial gear...it doesn't work well to start in 2nd gear.

A bit of a learning curve is involved when you are trying to skip gears. My old car was terrible when starting from stop in first gear on icy/snow covered roads. I learned how to start in second to prevent my tires from slipping. Never caused me any issues. Had that car for 70k miles until a snowplow lost control around a corner and turned my parked car into a convertible.

 

[Gcardieri]

I have MT also and I noticed this when I first picked up my Bronco. I'mm 5500 miles in (thanks to a few road trips) and its smoothed out quite a bit. I don't notice it at all anymore

Probably you just getting fully acquainted with the feel of the manual.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Probably you just getting fully acquainted with the feel of the manual.

There's a lot to be said for that aspect also.
I'm finding that my shifting has improved backwards through the gears ... if that makes any sense.
The first shifts to smooth out were 3-4, then 2-3 shortly thereafter.
The initial launch and 1-2 are proving to be troublesome. Not that I ever stall it. It just seems "lurchy" ...

On the other side of bad gearing is a peaky turbo 4 ... our Legacy GT HATED parking lot speeds. 1st was revved, 2nd would make it do the shudder.
The Bronco seems to be MUCH better considering similar power and displacement.
The Leggy's power came on later and harder when it hit.
Fun car to drive!

 

[TommyBronco]

"smooth" is relative so your baseline matters. It also meters how much experience you have with a MT and what you are comparing it to.

1st to 2nd is short, and I can see how it could feel clunky depending on the shift point, the rpms and how you are driving.

I have the 7mt and would disagree with your assessment that it isn't good for the street. The only time I find it inconvenient is when I am going from a stop to a high rate speed (turning onto a highway for instance). Then, I do notice that I am shifting sooner. Every other time is fine, IMO.

Having driven a 10spd auto also, I didn't like feeling like I was in the "wrong gear" or the car shifting after I want it to do something, rather than before. That is my preference though.

I've had mustangs, wranglers, and a pontic all with a stick. This is the first car/truck I've driven where I felt I needed to shift way too soon from 1st to 2nd. I tried starting in 2nd but it only works if I'm moving, even a little. I'm shifting into second while making a turn from a dead stop. Perhaps it's just getting used to it but I may get myself 35s as that may solve this problem.

Regarding clunky 1-2 gear shifts. This continues even after the transmission has been warmed up. I usually automatically shift in 2nd before putting it in 1st (without releasing the clutch). not sure if that helps with aligning the syncros but I do it out of habit. If I shift very slowly or double clutch it helps a little. but again is that normal? I tried at multiple RPMs as I'm trying to make the transition as smooth as I can. but even with my truck in the driveway, it does not shift from 1-2 smoothly at idle.

I'm not forcing it and there isn't much resistance. It just "clunks" as I put it into gear. That is the best way I can describe it. The transmission is great. I am only referring to the actual shifting from 1st to 2nd (and back) and to some extent from 2nd to 3rd whether while driving or at a standstill.

I'll schedule a service appointment and will post what they say.

 

[TommyBronco]

Also, this isn't about 1st gear being too short. There is nothing wrong with the Bronco regarding that. That is just an opinion I put out there from my perspective and experience. I can adjust this by getting bigger tires or changing my rear gear ratio... or starting it 2nd.

My issue is that my shifter does not seem as smooth as everyone states the MT is. If this thing shifted in 1st as well as it did in the higher gears, I would agree it's smooth. but it's definitely not shifting/rowing into 2nd nice and smooth. Maybe notchy is a better word? I was hoping it would get better with time but it's the same.

I'll post an update after I have it checked out.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Nice]

I've had mustangs, wranglers, and a pontic all with a stick. This is the first car/truck I've driven where I felt I needed to shift way too soon from 1st to 2nd. I tried starting in 2nd but it only works if I'm moving, even a little. I'm shifting into second while making a turn from a dead stop. Perhaps it's just getting used to it but I may get myself 35s as that may solve this problem.

Regarding clunky 1-2 gear shifts. This continues even after the transmission has been warmed up. I usually automatically shift in 2nd before putting it in 1st (without releasing the clutch). not sure if that helps with aligning the syncros but I do it out of habit. If I shift very slowly or double clutch it helps a little. but again is that normal? I tried at multiple RPMs as I'm trying to make the transition as smooth as I can. but even with my truck in the driveway, it does not shift from 1-2 smoothly at idle.

I'm not forcing it and there isn't much resistance. It just "clunks" as I put it into gear. That is the best way I can describe it. The transmission is great. I am only referring to the actual shifting from 1st to 2nd (and back) and to some extent from 2nd to 3rd whether while driving or at a standstill.

I'll schedule a service appointment and will post what they say.

If you thought the transmission was great you wouldn’t be complaining and bringing it to the dealer for evaluation. They certainly can’t fix the silly gear ratios. Not a very good endorsement for this gear box.

 

[Mattwings]

I believe the MT was always intended to start in “2nd”. 1st is synchronized, but it’s is a crawler or granny gear. There should be no issue starting in 2nd. The manual SQ at Off Roadeo was stupid low on 1st for street driving. I assume it’s similar with smaller tires/taller gears.

 

[ProdigyJKU]

There is so much wrong in those sentences

 

[wrbix]

IMHO only, those who can’t seem to start off in 2nd gear are probably not very accomplished in feathered clutch engagement.
Haven’t taken delivery yet but fully expect first gear will only be rarely used. Starting off in 2nd in my (real) Defender is a regular practice.

 

[Broncola]

Be interesting to hear what you find out. My experience has been similar to yours.

Also, this isn't about 1st gear being too short. There is nothing wrong with the Bronco regarding that. That is just an opinion I put out there from my perspective and experience. I can adjust this by getting bigger tires or changing my rear gear ratio... or starting it 2nd.

My issue is that my shifter does not seem as smooth as everyone states the MT is. If this thing shifted in 1st as well as it did in the higher gears, I would agree it's smooth. but it's definitely not shifting/rowing into 2nd nice and smooth. Maybe notchy is a better word? I was hoping it would get better with time but it's the same.

I'll post an update after I have it checked out.

Thanks

 

[zombie]

FWIW, my transmission shifts smoothly up and down the box, it's just a case of not wanting to rev the engine, I think. It sounds horrid at anything above 3k rpm, IMO.

 

[BigFootie]

Of coarse everything is better at "Granger", or so people think. Something in the water there?

Yup, the water was pretty good too!

Sponsored