TJ shakes when engaging clutch

[sumdumgai]

I've got a 2001 TJ with manual trans and it has started to shudder (actually shakes violently) when the clutch is just starting to engage in first or reverse, especially if I'm going up a hill. After full engagement, no slippage or grinding in any gear. I installed a two inch shock/spring lift kit in it over a year ago, and had minor shudders afterwards but I did the washer bit to raise the transmission off the skid plate and the minor shudders went away. Now I have this more serious problem. I replaced the transmission mount (which was bent) but that didn't fix the problem. Any suggestions on what I should try next would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[sumdumgai]

I used 4 washers (about 3/8 in. worth) on each bolt to lower the skid plate and transmission. With that, it looks like about 5-6 bolt threads screw into the frame, which is getting a bit dangerous.

As this shuddering problem could still be due to the lift, what's the right solution to lower even more?

 

[Collin the Hen]

Maybe it's a bad transmission mount? My CJ does it too, right when I take off in first. Is that what you're talking about? I'll tighten my mount up and see if it makes a difference.

 

[sumdumgai]

Not the transmission mount. I replaced it and problem didn't go away or get better. I wonder if it's maybe a combination of not dropping the transmission enough after the 2" lift and now a bad u-joint?

But to answer your question, when I back out of my driveway, which is slightly uphill, as I'm feathering the clutch (not fully engaged yet), it feels like the whole thing is going to shake apart. Same thing in first. Once clutch is engaged, no problems, no slippage, no gear grinding, virtually no vibration outside of what you might get on the asphalt with all terrain over size tires.

 

[Wrangl3r93]

Both jeeps I've had have done this. Thought it was just a jeep thing:?|

 

[jonsolbe]

Mybe your clutch plate needs to be replaced? Really, 1st and R are the only gears that require shifting into from a standstill, which is were clutch wear first starts to show. How many miles on it?

 

[jfrabat]

Mine does it only after it has been sitting for a while, and by the time I get out of my compound (which is basically after starting 3 times from a dead stop) it goes away for the rest of the day. I think in my case I may have a leak from somewhere to the clutch, but have not looked into it yet...

 

[slavic98tj]

Mine does it to,

only in 1st gear

i just ease of the clutch when in 1st.

you just need a feel for it.