Problem with 1st & Reverse in 2021 Gladiator

[eric1969]

I bought my 21’ 2nd hand in 2023. Low miles, barely driven and well maintained. After the clutch recall happened, I got a bit spooked as an owner in Orlando had the Gladiator catch afire. So I had a private shop change the clutch to an heavy duty aftermarket (forget the brand) and all was well. The factory clutch looked fine as well when removed. In retro, I should’ve stuck with the factory clutch and took my chances. A year later, engaging into 1st and R at rest became difficult. If the car is moving, the shift feels normal. My independent shop dropped the tranny, went through it with a fine tooth comb, replaced the throw out bearing and replaced the clutch fork spring as it was not performing properly. Still I’m having problems with 1 st & R. It’s going back to the shop. Long intro to my question. Has anyone experienced same issue with low miles manual?

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[LatteSipper]

Yes. I came from a 6MT Wrangler that developed the same issue with an aftermarket clutch at 18k miles (3k on clutch).

60 page thread on the Wrangler forum for the same behavior. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...g-into-1st-reverse-compilation-thread.141518/

 

[eric1969]

Yes. I came from a 6MT Wrangler that developed the same issue with an aftermarket clutch at 18k miles (3k on clutch).

60 page thread on the Wrangler forum for the same behavior. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...g-into-1st-reverse-compilation-thread.141518/

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[eric1969]

Update on my 2021 Gladiator. The Centerforce brand clutch that I had electively installed in ‘23 was the issue. 22K miles and Centerforce wouldn’t cover any expense of replacing it. My installer dealt with Centerforce directly and is a very knowledgeable and detail oriented mechanic and I’m confident he didn’t err during installation process. He comped me on the labor so he all I paid was the price of the new clutch( ACT). Shifts like butter now. In retrospect, I shoulda left well enough alone and not touched the factory clutch.

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