[alanack6795]

Well my transmission has been tired awhile but it never really slipped, or shuddered. It has about 150,000 miles on a stock rebuild sometime in 2003.

It was always lazy but i took it as a regular old lazy Dodge transmission with nothing really wrong with it.

I'm going adjust the bands and check line pressure before I pull the pan.

Transmission pulled an 11,000lb trailer no problem the other day. I've overheated it a few times years ago but I always stopped and let it cool down before continuing operation. Its has a gauge in the hot line and I was plowing snow today and it never went above 180*. Finished the driveway, andddddd now it only has 1st 2nd and reverse. Everything works fine except the 1-2 shift is delayed and a little firmer than it used to be.

I'm thinking it's dead.

 

[alanack6795]

Annnnnnddd I checked all the linakges and found nothing. Road tested the truck and now it shifts fine.
I can't win.

 

[GAmes]

I can't win.

If it i working it sounds like a win to me.

 

[Hectori]

It is probably valvebody. I would change the oil and clean and inspect the valvebody.

 

[alanack6795]

If it i working it sounds like a win to me.

Is it though? Is it going to operate fine for the next 50,000 miles? Or is it going to ship the bed when I'm 700 miles away with my girlfriend and Toyo hauler?

 

[alanack6795]

It is probably valvebody. I would change the oil and clean and inspect the valvebody.

I changed the fluid last year when I replaced the overdrive/lock up solenoids. That was less than 15,000 miles ago and the fluid still looks clean.

 

[Hectori]

I changed the fluid last year when I replaced the overdrive/lock up solenoids. That was less than 15,000 miles ago and the fluid still looks clean.

Well, changing oils too often rarely causes any harm. And as DEXIII fluid is cheap, i would not say that it would be the cost issue. But fluid change would allow you to clean the valvebody while you are in there. Which i would arque that is the culprit of your no 2-3 upshift. It could also be your governor valve, but as it would require removal of transfer case i would start from the easy option.

 

[YogiBayer]

I am impressed with the shifting improvement that a DTT pan off kit and diesel towing valve body did for my 47rh. Otherwise the trans is stock 1995; rebuilt in 2005.

 

[alanack6795]

Well, changing oils too often rarely causes any harm. And as DEXIII fluid is cheap, i would not say that it would be the cost issue. But fluid change would allow you to clean the valvebody while you are in there. Which i would arque that is the culprit of your no 2-3 upshift. It could also be your governor valve, but as it would require removal of transfer case i would start from the easy option.

I've always run ATF+4, but I would like to switch to Dex, because it shifts firmer than the slippy atf 4.

I think I'm just going to run it, maybe do a drain and fill and throw some Lucas in there. It's ridiculously cold now so that could have been part of the problem.

I'll finish up the 6 speed swap in the 98 and drive that, and rebuild my spare RH myself.

There aren't many any local transmission guys that i trust.

 

[Hectori]

I've always run ATF+4, but I would like to switch to Dex, because it shifts firmer than the slippy atf 4.

I think I'm just going to run it, maybe do a drain and fill and throw some Lucas in there. It's ridiculously cold now so that could have been part of the problem.

I'll finish up the 6 speed swap in the 98 and drive that, and rebuild my spare RH myself.

There aren't many any local transmission guys that i trust.

I use DEXIII on the RH models. But you should be ok with ATF+4. Drain and refill is good option, just use that +4 fluid you allready have in trans. I do usually loosen valvebody bolts a little because you get more of the old fluid out that way. About 10 quarts comes off that way. Just remember to retorque the bolts to 100 in.lb.

 

[alanack6795]

I've always run ATF+4, but I would like to switch to Dex, because it shifts firmer than the slippy atf 4.

I think I'm just going to run it, maybe do a drain and fill and throw some Lucas in there. It's ridiculously cold now so that could have been part of the problem.

I'll finish up the 6 speed swap in the 98 and drive that, and rebuild my spare RH myself.

There aren't many any local transmission guys that i trust.

I use DEXIII on the RH models. But you should be ok with ATF+4. Drain and refill is good option, just use that +4 fluid you allready have in trans. I do usually loosen valvebody bolts a little because you get more of the old fluid out that way. About 10 quarts comes off that way. Just remember to retorque the bolts to 100 in.lb.

No need. Mag-hytec pan has a drain.

 

[thor363]

You can re-adjust the front band (2nd gear) from outside the case.

3rd may be valve body sticking but if 3rd is toast it's the clutch set and two seals inside the drum which is encompassed by the 2nd gear band, and if overheated at some point it's worth a rebuild, it's not difficult once it's out.