1st Gear shudders whats up?

[CrewCabDiesel]

Ok just bought the truck,

2004 3500 4X4 quad cab 305 hp 4 speed auto

298000 miles

1st gear shudders on takeoff everything else tight and shifts solid, fluid burnt a little, doing fluid change right now, pan has no metal in it. any fixes, ideas etc?

What kind of upgrades for the transmission?

Thanks

Kyle



ps

any one have a front drive shaft to sell?

 

[Prairie Dog]

More likely it's the drive shaft and either frozen u-joints, worn center support or both.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I think its more than that, I floor it from a stop motor reves to 2000 rpms and the truck moves of the line slowly then picks up speed with rpms still at 2000.
any ideas? would a band adjustment help?

 

[JHumphries]

Could the brakes/parking break hold it back that much?
I'm not familiar with the 04 setup.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I read something about a first gear solenoid could be causing this on another post, any ideas?

 

[rscurtis]

I would guess one of two problems: First, if the trans is shifting through all gears, (actually starting in first), the overrunning clutch in the torque converter could be slipping, or second, the trans. is not starting in first gear. The shudder could still be u-joint related.

 

[cerberusiam]

If you have all the gears and can feel them shift when you don't hammer it and it is starting in 1st gear, my guess is the forward clutch pack is toast. The burned fluid is a good indication there is a problem and with the other issue the forwards are suspect.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

So I am looking at a rebuild or is there a fix?

 

[cerberusiam]

If it is forward clutches it is rebuild time. From your description you have slipping clutches.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Anything I can do to hold it together a little longer? pressure solanoid? fluid?



So whats the best for rebuild componets? My son is finishing his automotive degree and has a trans building class and I can have the labor for free.



So here we go,

1st who has the best master kit,

2nd what upgrades?

3rd Shift kit?

4th Converter?

5th Pump?

etc?

Plans mild horse power upgrades, main use daily driver and towing 12K 5th wheel.

Also I don't have a million dollars so keep it reasonable

Thanks

Kyle

 

[cerberusiam]

If it is clutches slipping nothing is going to help it. Are you sure it starting out in 1st gear? Your description of mashing the throttle and the slowlt speeds almost sounds like it is starting out in drive. a transdcuer and gov solenoid usually fixes that. The shiddering could be from it slipping the driect clutches if it starting in drive also.

I woul call Goernds and price out their kits and a TC, billet input, etc. One stop shopping.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I think you are right about starting out in a higher gear, manual shifting really makes a difference

 

[cerberusiam]

Do you get the shudder and doggy take off if you manually shift it? If not then it is likely starting in drive. With the mileage you have it is probably ready for a rebuild anyway.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

No it responds much better, still have some shudder but transmission does not down shift like it should when in drive when I am slowing down. Could a pressure solenoid and sensor help? I have seen a GM Billet unit for sale on several sites. I want to buy some time, its going to be a month before I can get it rebuilt. I still need a list of parts, I want to start getting parts before my wife finds my cash

 

[cerberusiam]

Yes, the GM upgrade anbd a new transdcuer will usaully solve that problem. Iy won't help if the clutches are slipping though, just get it shifting right. Chnage the output shaft speed sensor also and that may help you for a bit.

Your best bet for parts is call Goerends and have them spec out what you need.