I have a 2000 sahara w/ the 4.0, I have recently bought it since returning from Iraq.  When I first got it it shifted like #### and grinded into second and sometimes trhird, problem was realy bad in cold weather.  Luckily under my waranty that I bought when I purchased the jeep a new transmission was replaced.  It does not grind any more but it still shifts rough as hell I have a hard time making 1st to 2nd trows I have to go from first then neutral and then over and down to 2nd or I get like a kick back fealing when I go into second.  I needless to say I am slow as hell getting started at lights because I have to shift so carefully.  I have read that the NV3350 is just a rough shifting trans but I am wondering if my clutch plat my not be disengaging all the way or if it is warped.  What could I do to find out what is wrong and if it is just the way of the NV3350 what could make it smoother, a hurst shifter? Any info would be apreciated.

There are 3 technical service bulletins from Chrysler.  the first 2 could be related to your prolbem.  Talk to your local dealer to find out what the fix is, then go back to your warantee people and see if they can fix it.

One thing that will help in cold weather ... switch to a synthetic gear oil

In the winter, i have to take the shifter boot off my '97.  It becomes so stiff that i can't keep it in second gear.

21-003-01A  M/T - High Shift Effort

21-005-01   M/T - Incomplete Engagement of 1ST/2ND Gear

21-002-01   M/T - Gear Train Sound in Neutral

Hope this helps.

Pete