In need of diesel/transmission mechanic!! [Archive] - Colorado AR-15 Shooters Club Discussion Forums

opie011

01-13-2011, 19:25

My transmission is going out and I either need a complete rebuild or certain parts replaced. Is there anyone that might be able to help me diagnose the problem.

For example:
I was towing around 10k pounds over Vail pass Tuesday night and the tranny would pop out of 4th into 3rd back to 4th and so on. It would also shudder pretty violently and I lost all power...I had to drop the trailer and have another truck come get it as my truck wouldn't do it. It's a shame as I normally pull this weight without a problem so there is a serious problem and I need it fixed ASAP.

So please someone help diagnose or tell me where to go. I do most of all repairs on my truck but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the transmission!

Oh the truck is an '03 Dodge Cummins with the 47RE

gnihcraes

01-13-2011, 19:35

Stand by, calling a friend who had his rebuilt this summer by a local shop that did a good job.

Kipling and I70, Walker Transmission 5030 Kipling St. 303-421-2104.
http://www.walkertrans.com/

Hope this helps.

opie011

01-13-2011, 20:05

Thanks! I'll give them a call tomorrow[Beer]

Half Live

01-13-2011, 20:22

Willie B on KBPI seems to like ATS Diesel.

52nd and Ward. Just off of I-70

http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats2/index.asp?

opie011

01-13-2011, 20:30

I live 5 min from ATS. Willie likes them because he gets free shit from them for mentioning them on the radio. Everytime I've called them, they seemed to be rude and I think they have the aftermarket for diesel parts cornered so they are over priced, but that is my opinion!

Half Live

01-13-2011, 21:33

wow, did not know that. Since I do my own car work, I that is the only place I know of.

BPTactical

01-13-2011, 21:43

Eric-
I cannot remember the name but there is a tranny shop at 84th and Huron that has a very good reputation. They are one of Tom Martinos guests on "Car Fridays" on his radio show. I know they will do a diagnostic at no charge. Call the radio show tomorrow and ask them there.
OK-OK I know Martino can be a douche nozzle but most of his refferal businesses are solid.

Graves

01-13-2011, 21:50

When was your last tranny service?

opie011

01-13-2011, 21:50

Awesome guys...I'll check out all these places!!

gnihcraes

01-13-2011, 21:53

My friend checked with ATS on his tranny, they wanted some outrageous amount to fix it. ($6000 or something silly) I've been to their shop too, took about 15 minutes for anyone to see if I needed any help. (tons of people walking by too) Not impressed with the customer service.

opie011

01-13-2011, 21:54

When was your last tranny service?

To long ago. I was actually planning on doing a tranny flush this weekend but I think i might just hold off as I need the tranny rebuilt/parts replaced after the way it was acting the other day. Hell I had problems towing my 16'x7' cargo trailer today[Bang]

Graves

01-13-2011, 21:59

To long ago. I was actually planning on doing a tranny flush this weekend but I think i might just hold off as I need the tranny rebuilt/parts replaced after the way it was acting the other day. Hell I had problems towing my 16'x7' cargo trailer today[Bang]

9 out of 10 times I see the troubles you've described, it's something as simple as a fluid/filter change or a grounding issue with the apps.

http://www.dieselperformance.com/index.php/product/index/185P

Drop the fluid, you'll know right away if you need a rebuild.

jmg8550

01-13-2011, 22:00

While they are in there, ask about a towing kit to put in the trans. It will shift a little harder, but the trans will last longer. You may want to upgrade the cooler also. And using the BG trans additive doesn't hurt either. We had fleets of Ford vans that would puke a trans after 100,000 miles. Started flushing the trans at 25k and using BG, the trans would last 300k. I am a firm believer of BG products.

opie011

01-13-2011, 22:14

9 out of 10 times I see the troubles you've described, it's something as simple as a fluid/filter change or a grounding issue with the apps.

http://www.dieselperformance.com/index.php/product/index/185P

Drop the fluid, you'll know right away if you need a rebuild.

Mike thanks for the link! I'm gonna order that and change the fluid and see what happens. I'm sure my fluid is burnt but how will I know if I need a rebuild...metal in the pan?

While they are in there, ask about a towing kit to put in the trans. It will shift a little harder, but the trans will last longer. You may want to upgrade the cooler also. And using the BG trans additive doesn't hurt either. We had fleets of Ford vans that would puke a trans after 100,000 miles. Started flushing the trans at 25k and using BG, the trans would last 300k. I am a firm believer of BG
Yes I'm a firm believer of BG products as well!!

Great-Kazoo

01-13-2011, 23:42

BEFORE YOU GO REBUILT::::::::::::
my tranny took a shit new years night. Heard the distinctive sounds of gears being sheared off from the light 1mi before the eating place. kept going but no reverse w/out locking up. needed a tow truck as the rear locked up tight.
had a guy i know over in greality check it after i made sure it wasn't the differential. turns out the planatery gears sheared off a few teeth.

here's what i found out as i am not a trans service tech. while the trans was only 36K into a new one from ford (3yr warranty exp in june, don't they always) It turns out, UNLESS the gears look unacceptable during a visual inspect for a rebuild they are used again, and again. Gears are never changed out so no matter how new the disc, pump, plates etc are you when getting a rebuilt, may have gears that have 1-200K on them. the new one i just had installed was done using all new parts, less a torque conveter, that was a rebuild.

sorry if this reads as rambling on, i've been up since 2;30 in the am. Rust never Sleeps:)

2008f450

01-13-2011, 23:56

I used to run a trans shop. With out seeing and driving your truck I am taking a guess but sounds like the overdrive clutches are burned out. That is why it hunts the 3-4 shift back and forth. Depending on how many miles you have you may just need a soft parts overhaul. All clutches,seal,gaskets. Hard parts may be ok if it didnt get too hot. A good reputable shop will only charge you for what you need. If you drop the pan look for fiber debris as well as metal. If it looks like you are panningfor gold and getting some its major rebuild time. Servicing will do you no good at this point.As far as ATS goes. they do make a very heavy duty transmission for a very big price. IF you tow a lot on a very regular basis its worth it. If not have the shop that does the work look into a slightly heavier duty torque converter. its a litttle more but those are a week link in dodge transmissions. And my advise for serviceing transmissions is. Every 12000 to 15000 for regular driving. every 10000 for heavy hauling. Forget what the book says. And change the filter every time. Never ever do a "trans flush" those kill transmissions. Sorry its a long one hope it helps.

Graves

01-14-2011, 00:02

One thing I will highly recommend if you're out of a tranny...Allison!!! you'll find a bunch of metal on the pickup magnet if there was some serious wear. Hopefully it's something minor, I know you've hauled some serious loads with big red and I can tell you that skimping on service intervals will cost you dearly in the long run.

2008f450

01-14-2011, 00:11

If your magnet has a small amount of fine material thats normal. Especially if its not serviced regularly. If it looks like a metal version of a chia pet be ready to spend for full rebuild. And yes Hard parts are very often used over during a rebuild. They are inspected and checked for endplay,wear, and patterns on teeth. Everyone does it. From Scaamco to the dealerships. As long as they are in good shape I have seen gear sets go 500,000 miles.

opie011

01-14-2011, 00:17

Thanks for all the helpful hints and the heads ups guys. I'm gonna drop the pan Sunday and take a look inside. The truck just rolled 166,000 today. I've also read that the GV Solenoids need replaced as they cause gear hunting. Who knows there are so many things that could go wrong. Anyway, I did order the apps noise isolator and after I drop the pan, I'll most likely take it to a shop. I've only got about $2k to throw at it and I'm not sure I want to spend that much....dipping into my gun funds[Tooth]

opie011

01-14-2011, 16:21

Well I was just at Walker Transmissions and they're very nice people! Rick, the owner, took my truck for a test drive with me in it. He told me my tranny is on the edge of failure and I'll need a complete rebuild. He said a new TQ converter is needed and all new soft parts but didn't mention anything about hard parts. My quote was a little higher than I wanted.

Question, he said the tranny shift points were good and the tranny worked pretty decent but told me it's on the egde of failure, does that make sence?

Byte Stryke

01-14-2011, 17:34

Question, he said the tranny shift points were good and the tranny worked pretty decent but told me it's on the edge of failure, does that make sense?

he may have been referring to the lack of grind/skip/shear in the Transmission.

For anything above $40 I think all questions to the service station are free.
Might go back and ask him exactly what he meant.

BPTactical

01-14-2011, 17:40

Question, he said the tranny shift points were good and the tranny worked pretty decent but told me it's on the egde of failure, does that make sence?

Eric it makes perfect sense. Your "soft" parts are clutch packs and seals. They are all wear items, clutches start to slip, seals start to leak(internally). Slipping clutches and hydraulic leaks cause the heat to rise. Heat is the real killer to an automatic tranny as it causes the fluid to lose its properties.

Bummer deal, guess its a good thing your trigger work for your AR is on me.
.

opie011

01-14-2011, 18:12

Bummer deal, guess its a good thing your trigger work for your AR is on me.
.

True:D

Well I just ordered a fresh rebuilt tranny from All-Star Automotive with all the towing upgrades for less than Walker and a better warranty!! I drop it off Monday morning and pick it back up that afternoon!!

Side note: Walker Transmission guys are excellent to talk with and their customer service seems top notch but I need a quick turnaround and I really haven't had much work so I went with All-Star due to being cheaper, even though they are using good parts and I got a 3yr./100,000 mile warranty!!!

2008f450

01-14-2011, 19:40

True:D

Well I just ordered a fresh rebuilt tranny from All-Star Automotive with all the towing upgrades for less than Walker and a better warranty!! I drop it off Monday morning and pick it back up that afternoon!!

Side note: Walker Transmission guys are excellent to talk with and their customer service seems top notch but I need a quick turnaround and I really haven't had much work so I went with All-Star due to being cheaper, even though they are using good parts and I got a 3yr./100,000 mile warranty!!!

Good warranty. And when he says you are on the brink he is talking from experience. All vehicles have traits and patterns that you learn and see after being in the buiseness for a few years. Ford,Chevy, Dodge Toyota, Etc. have quirks and weeknesess. So he was just telling you what he knows. I would have said the same thing if it was in my shop. Make sure from this point on you service that transmission every 12000-15000. if your trans doesnt come with it I would strongly reccomend a deeper trans pan. the added fluid will help keep temps in check. I always used PML because they are as good as the others but a lot cheaper.

opie011

01-14-2011, 19:50

Good warranty. And when he says you are on the brink he is talking from experience. All vehicles have traits and patterns that you learn and see after being in the buiseness for a few years. Ford,Chevy, Dodge Toyota, Etc. have quirks and weeknesess. So he was just telling you what he knows. I would have said the same thing if it was in my shop. Make sure from this point on you service that transmission every 12000-15000. if your trans doesnt come with it I would strongly reccomend a deeper trans pan. the added fluid will help keep temps in check. I always used PML because they are as good as the others but a lot cheaper.

I usually service it but got lazy this last time. Anyway, you say 12000-15000...is that just the fluid from the pan(6 quarts) or the whole tranny(16 quarts)? I usually service every 30k(16 quarts).

2008f450

01-14-2011, 19:56

drop the pan and replace the filter. If your torque converter has one(and good ones do) take out the drain plug and drain it too. By doing that you will get all the life out of a trans that you can.Thats another reason I advise getting a deeper aluminum pan. Most have a drain plug that makes it easier. I worked at a trans shop for over 10 years. we wouldnt even own a flush machine. Dont ever let anyone talk you into one. They run fluid backwards of normal operation. IF there is something in the filter it shoves it back into the trans. That is why I always recommend 12000-15000 mile service intervals. Ignore the owners manual.

Great-Kazoo

01-14-2011, 22:46

Good warranty. And when he says you are on the brink he is talking from experience. All vehicles have traits and patterns that you learn and see after being in the buiseness for a few years. Ford,Chevy, Dodge Toyota, Etc. have quirks and weeknesess. So he was just telling you what he knows. I would have said the same thing if it was in my shop. Make sure from this point on you service that transmission every 12000-15000. if your trans doesnt come with it I would strongly reccomend a deeper trans pan. the added fluid will help keep temps in check. I always used PML because they are as good as the others but a lot cheaper.

Don't forget to install an external tranny cooler if you don't have one now.

2008f450

01-14-2011, 23:04

Don't forget to install an external tranny cooler if you don't have one now.
Should already be one on the truck. Just make sure whoever is putting the trans in flushes the cooler and the lines. dont want any contamination to go into the fresh rebuild. Depending on how much you tow you could upgrade the cooler at the same time. We used to offer it to customers that tow. Just replace factory external cooler with a larger one.

opie011

01-14-2011, 23:18

Thanks for all the input guys!!! I usually only tow around 6k pounds so nothing serious but that happens a lot. I do haul 10-12k pounds here and there though. When I show up Monday morning to have the trans put in I'll make sure they flush the tranny cooler and lines...thanks for that tip.

opie011

01-21-2011, 09:30

Side note: Walker Transmission guys are excellent to talk with and their customer service seems top notch but I need a quick turnaround and I really haven't had much work so I went with All-Star due to being cheaper, even though they are using good parts and I got a 3yr./100,000 mile warranty!!!
Well I take this statement back! Tony, the service writer, calls me this morning to see how I was doing and asked if I wanted them to do my tranny. I told him I went with someone else and he asked if I'd hold on a second. He then puts the owner, Rick on the phone who asked what he did wrong to lose my business and I said I found someone cheaper with a better warranty. He starts giving me real bad attitude and pretty much tells me to fuck off. Well FUCK these guys and they will never get my business and I won't recommend them to anyone I care about! FUCK WALKER TRANSMISSIONS.

Oh and he also went off on how he's been in business for 22 years and the place I went hasn't. Whatever...

2008f450

01-21-2011, 10:33

I hate to say it but this is all too common. I ran a trans shop for 10 years. I used to hear stories like this from my customers. They would be at one shop. Call us and decide to use us. We send our tow truck to get it and the manager or owner of the shop we picked up car from would bad mouth us and say we did this or that wrong. We made it a point to never say anything bad about our competition. Our thinking was this. If our work and warranty cant speak for themself why try to make the other guy look bad. It doesnt help. Hope your truck is running smooth now. Remember Service Service Service.[Beer]

JohnTRourke

01-21-2011, 12:09

Well I take this statement back! Tony, the service writer, calls me this morning to see how I was doing and asked if I wanted them to do my tranny. I told him I went with someone else and he asked if I'd hold on a second. He then puts the owner, Rick on the phone who asked what he did wrong to lose my business and I said I found someone cheaper with a better warranty. He starts giving me real bad attitude and pretty much tells me to fuck off. Well FUCK these guys and they will never get my business and I won't recommend them to anyone I care about! FUCK WALKER TRANSMISSIONS.

Oh and he also went off on how he's been in business for 22 years and the place I went hasn't. Whatever...

Honestly?
I'd be pissed too
He spent time, money, energy, told you all that was wrong with it, and then you went to wal mart to buy it for $5 cheaper

I'd be pissed too. I'm not saying he reacted correctly, but he has a legitimate beef.

Byte Stryke

01-21-2011, 12:22

Honestly?
I'd be pissed too
He spent time, money, energy, told you all that was wrong with it, and then you went to wal mart to buy it for $5 cheaper

I'd be pissed too. I'm not saying he reacted correctly, but he has a legitimate beef.

well I have been watching this thread for my own reasons.

Think I'm going to Walker?
Not if I were on fire and they were giving away water.

Thanks for taking point on that Opie.
Might be going to this AAMCO across the street

Marlin

01-21-2011, 12:34

Honestly?
I'd be pissed too
He spent time, money, energy, told you all that was wrong with it, and then you went to wal mart to buy it for $5 cheaper

I'd be pissed too. I'm not saying he reacted correctly, but he has a legitimate beef.

Oh, don't tell me you wouldn't do the same thing. Just like everything else, get a few bids and go with the best deal. The best deal may not always be the cheapest or the most expensive.

opie011

01-21-2011, 12:40

Honestly?
I'd be pissed too
He spent time, money, energy, told you all that was wrong with it, and then you went to wal mart to buy it for $5 cheaper.
Not even the case. I showed up to get a diagnostic at which they told me on the phone, we'll drop the pan and see what's wrong. I get there and the owner jumps in my truck, me in it, and rapes the shit out of it. Diagnostic done! Pretty crappy diagnostic I think. They give me a quote and I limped my truck home.

I would say none of his money was wasted or his time...
Plus they gave a cute girl a better warranty than me because she was cute...right in front of me.

Marlin

01-21-2011, 13:42

Thought of another angle. Brian, you have a landscape business, When you need material, do you just blindly go to one source all the time? or, do you shop it around to get the best price you can?

BPTactical

01-21-2011, 13:45

Absolutely inappropriate response from the business!
Dealing with losing a job is as much a part of doing business as getting them. You are not going to get the business of every person that contacts you, regardless of what you do to try and earn their business.
I go through it all the time and yes, it is frustrating as hell. If I had a dollar for every inquiry that I get I could live comfortably. It takes time to respond to inquiries and the only time I get flustered with it is when I have spent time researching for the customer only to not hear back or they go to "X" because they were 10.00 cheaper. Their firearm, their choice.
It used to really bug me badly until my wife (who has more customer service time than I ever will) got it through my gourd that I will not land every contact's work.
But even with the limited business experience I have I know enough not to rank on a customer or the competition. By treating both with respect I know I still have a chance of their business in the future. If I rank them out I know that I will NEVER see that customer or his buddies. Who knows, maybe the competition will contact me to do work for them someday.
The best thing you can say as a proprietor is:" Well I am sorry that you chose not to do business with us, please keep us in mind if you need our services in the future".

It's called losing with grace and style.

jmg8550

01-21-2011, 16:03

gnihcraes

01-21-2011, 16:19

Sorry to hear walker turned bad on you.

JohnTRourke

01-23-2011, 15:29

Not even the case. I showed up to get a diagnostic at which they told me on the phone, we'll drop the pan and see what's wrong. I get there and the owner jumps in my truck, me in it, and rapes the shit out of it. Diagnostic done! Pretty crappy diagnostic I think. They give me a quote and I limped my truck home.

I would say none of his money was wasted or his time...
Plus they gave a cute girl a better warranty than me because she was cute...right in front of me.

fair enough, you didn't really say that though

but clearly, the guy is a Dick!

JohnTRourke

01-23-2011, 15:31

Thought of another angle. Brian, you have a landscape business, When you need material, do you just blindly go to one source all the time? or, do you shop it around to get the best price you can?

one source, all the time
I have a relationship, they treat me right, i don't look around.
I'm sure I get good prices, but I don't really check.
for a few bucks here or there, doesn't pay off for pissing off a long term relationship.

but that's me, and this is a wal mart nation, I freely admit it.