Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1997 3500 DRW 4x4 ???

[JeffL]

Hi everyone, I just purchased a 97 3500 4x4 DRW with the auto trans. The truck drives about a half mile and stops, it will not move. Shut the truck down and restart and it goes, but repeats itself. Reverse works, but I was just wondering if there is anything to check before replacing the transmission. I've found a suncoast stage 5 47re out of an 02, and was wondering if this would work on the 97? Any ideas as to what to check, or if the transmission I've found will work? Thanks

 

[JR]

By not moving Im assuming you mean the engine revs up but will not go anywhere? How is your fluid level? Almost sounds like the tc is starving for fluid. Strange that by shutting the truck off it cures it. If you leave the truck running in neutral for a short period and then put it back in gear does it move?

 

[JeffL]

I haven't driven the truck, I was looking at it to possibly purchase, and that's what the old owner said. Yes, it just revs, doesn't move. just wanted to check if it may be something simple, or for a complete swap or rebuild. I found a 47re out of a 02 and wanted to know if that would work. Thanks

 

[Axtell3]

I would count and budget for a complete replacement. Figure that into your purchase offer. Best look the whole thing over pretty well.

 

[JR]

I haven't driven the truck, I was looking at it to possibly purchase, and that's what the old owner said. Yes, it just revs, doesn't move. just wanted to check if it may be something simple, or for a complete swap or rebuild. I found a 47re out of a 02 and wanted to know if that would work. Thanks

I dont think there would be too many issues with the trans out of the 02. For sure you will have to drop the pan and swap a few solenoids in the vb, maybe some of the more knowledgeable trans guys will see this and better answer your question. I personally would be a little leary of buying a used auto trans unless I could personally drive it before it was pulled from the truck or knew the person selling it and was confident of his use/service. Theres just too many unknowns with a used auto for me to feel comfortable.

 

[JeffL]

Thanks, that's kinda what I was thinking about the used transmission. Having second thoughts about this truck, needs a bunch of work besides the transmission too. Just curious as to why the truck would stop after driving a short distance. Idk, I'll keep you posted. Thanks

 

[champspa]

gee I had this problem once . the torque converter is coming undone and the filter in the transmission is clogging up . wait a while and the stuff falls of the filter and you can go again , then it happens again.

 

[JeffL]

Sounds like maybe that could be what it's doing. I'm going to go look at the truck again, and really look it over good before moving forward. Maybe I'll drop the pan. Thanks