trans help for a 3rd gen guy?

rpainter · 06-23-2008, 04:44 PM

A buddy just got a hold of a 1997 12v 4x4 with 170,000+ miles on it. And I took that turd for a test run and I really think the trans is starting out in 3rd cause at 50 mph I have yet to feel it shift. and I had to let off it for it to shift into overdrive. the question I need help with is it time to crack that case open and rebuild or just replace it. the trans fluid looks like a thin motor oil. very dark and smells BAD. the truck is going to be used as a tow rig for a pulling truck and tractor. only mods that I can tell it a aurora 2 or 3000 turbo and gauges that dont work. Rob

__________________
2004.5 3500 lots of goodies (almost done)

BBRAM is my hero

mondtster · 06-23-2008, 11:56 PM

Try running through the gears manually to see if it shifts at all or not. If it does shift manually, you might be able to get away with just flushing the tranny and cleaning the valve body up. With what you're describing however, I would plan for the worst and hopefully you will be surprised.

**dave@BD Power** · 06-24-2008, 09:31 AM

It does not sound good, with the fluid in the condition it is in and the shifting problems I would definitely tell him to plan for the "best case scenario" meaning and new performance transmission.

If he is using the truck for towing, and whats to built it up, its in his best interest. Trying to fix what he has going on is going to be more costly in the end.

There is likely materiel through out the transmission, convertor and cooling system that will cause issues with any new components your install.

ALSO, when he replaces the transmission MAKE SURE the system gets flushed properly! Then do it again!

__________________
03 Dodge Ram 2500 2WD Reg Cab
BD X-Tuner stacked with BD X-Power
BD Super-B Turbo & Dual X-Hale Exhaust
BD Max Flow Lift Pump
Ice Box Cold Air Intake

Toll Free 800-887-5030 ext 105 Dave
www.dieselperformance.com
dave@bd-power.com

06-23-2008, 04:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
rpainter Diesel Head Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: harpers ferry wv Posts: 1,145 rpainter's Truck Pics	trans help for a 3rd gen guy? A buddy just got a hold of a 1997 12v 4x4 with 170,000+ miles on it. And I took that turd for a test run and I really think the trans is starting out in 3rd cause at 50 mph I have yet to feel it shift. and I had to let off it for it to shift into overdrive. the question I need help with is it time to crack that case open and rebuild or just replace it. the trans fluid looks like a thin motor oil. very dark and smells BAD. the truck is going to be used as a tow rig for a pulling truck and tractor. only mods that I can tell it a aurora 2 or 3000 turbo and gauges that dont work. Rob __________________ 2004.5 3500 lots of goodies (almost done) BBRAM is my hero

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06-23-2008, 11:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
mondtster Cummins Nut Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 322 mondtster's Truck Pics	Try running through the gears manually to see if it shifts at all or not. If it does shift manually, you might be able to get away with just flushing the tranny and cleaning the valve body up. With what you're describing however, I would plan for the worst and hopefully you will be surprised.

06-24-2008, 09:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
dave@BD Power Sales Rep For BD Power Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 1,270 dave@BD Power's Truck Pics	It does not sound good, with the fluid in the condition it is in and the shifting problems I would definitely tell him to plan for the "best case scenario" meaning and new performance transmission. If he is using the truck for towing, and whats to built it up, its in his best interest. Trying to fix what he has going on is going to be more costly in the end. There is likely materiel through out the transmission, convertor and cooling system that will cause issues with any new components your install. ALSO, when he replaces the transmission MAKE SURE the system gets flushed properly! Then do it again! __________________ 03 Dodge Ram 2500 2WD Reg Cab BD X-Tuner stacked with BD X-Power BD Super-B Turbo & Dual X-Hale Exhaust BD Max Flow Lift Pump Ice Box Cold Air Intake Toll Free 800-887-5030 ext 105 Dave www.dieselperformance.com dave@bd-power.com