1998 c1500 5 speed possible clutch problems

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v6cheyenne98

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My truck is a 1998 c1500 4.3 liter 5 speed manual 2 wheel drive reg.cab long bed.

Some things that tend to bug Me about the truck is that 1 the truck tends to jerk somewhat bad when shifting gears. Its the worst when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. 2nd to 3rd not so bad 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th are just fine.

I have noticed that it seems the clutch does not really start to engage until its almost completely released.

Another thing is sometimes when backing up and I push in the clutch pedal I here a loud clunk or bang come from somewhere out side the truck.
 

Stumpy

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Check your U joints, may have some slop in them, and need replacing.
 

v6cheyenne98

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UPDATE:A few days ago I was looking under the hood and realized that the pcv hose that goes to the air filter/intake housing was was not connected.
After connecting the hose the the truck seemed to have more power and shifting is a little bit smoother. not perfect, but better.

As for the clutch it just seems to be kinda sensitive. sort of hard to explain, it just seems it should engage smoother. It's like it is disengaged and then wham its engaged.
If I'm slow enough with the clutch pedal then it's not to bad but it really takes some creativity.

I will check out my U joints, as they did cross my mind.
 

mrvsfriend

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On the nv3500 1st and 2nd gear use 3 piece synchronizers, 3,4, and 5 are 1 piece, and on most of them, reverse isn't synchronized.
1st and 2nd should grab quicker because 3 piece synchronizers have more surface area.

Could it be the difference between the feel of the synchros?
 

v6cheyenne98

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On the nv3500 1st and 2nd gear use 3 piece synchronizers, 3,4, and 5 are 1 piece, and on most of them, reverse isn't synchronized.
1st and 2nd should grab quicker because 3 piece synchronizers have more surface area.

Could it be the difference between the feel of the synchros?

I really don't know!

A few days ago I crawled under the truck and tried to wiggle the drive shaft back and forth.
Only found a little less then 1/4 of an inch of play and it was in the trany or the rear end.
The U joints seemed solid.

Not really sure if there is a problem at this point or if its just me or what.
Maybe its just me! (As this is the only manual trany car or truck that I have driven on pavement) (I have driven other manual trucks but not on pavement)
All this being said, My Father has driven the truck (He has driven many manual cars and trucks) and He also felt that the clutch is a bit funny.
So what can I say?

It does not seem to be getting any worse so I'm continuing to drive the truck as it is not a major problem just more of me wanting to figure it out.
And the loud clunk is sort of annoying.
 
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