I have found that the 98-99 350 bigbear 4x4, i just bought, is hard to shift into first gear.
Any suggestions guy's?

Thank's.

 

Check the shifter linkage and if it is tight, adjust the clutch play.
TL

 

To adjust linkage are you talking about the screwhead down by the linkage that says"increase-decrease"?.
If that's not what it's for, what is it?

 

That's it. I had to hold the stud with a screwdriver then loosen the locknut with a box end wrench. Do NOT do this with the motor running. I went a little to far to start with and it shifted ok but was slipping. Do a little trial and error til you are happy with the shifting as well as the throttle response. There is a guy online Vince's Cycle in Va that makes an updated shifter linkage for the Wolverine that will also work on our Bears. If that does fix it , give him a call. Really nice guy who sometimes has quads he is parting out as well. I picked up a starter from him last fall.

Tim

 

Thank's, I'll let you know how it goe's.

 

The day we replaced the big boot i cracked off the linkage twice,(the piece that is about 4 inces long and has "elbows" on each end).

That is why i posted the question about stiff shifting.

I did as you sugested. I turned the screw (clockwise)in three increments (testing each,which improved shifting into first each time) to half a turn of the screw.

It definetly worked!

I drove the bigbear for 4 hours today and never craked the elbow piece.

I think tommorow i'll turn it a 1/8 more.

It still is a little stiff but no noticeable slipage.

Thank's again!

 

Glad it worked. That linkage piece is the one that Vince make a better mouse trap. His web site has some good photos of the parts. vincescycle.com

Glad I could be of some limited help,


Tim