In need of diesel/transmission mechanic!!

[opie011]

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

[Graves]

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

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/ind...uct/index/185P

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

[jmg8550]

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]

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/ind...uct/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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[opie011]

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?