1st gen autos?

[Coalsmoke]

I'm a manual trans guy through and through, but there are so many autos out here. I may be looking at a 1992 Dodge 250 Diesel 4x4 with the auto that won't go into O/D. I am fairly mechanical, but have never been into an auto. How are the auto's in these things? I know the 5spd getrags are not all that robust compared to the NV4500s, so maybe I might not be bad off by getting and auto and building it up myself?



Input is greatly appreciated. The truck fits my price range with its crippled transmission.

 

[cerberusiam]

The 518's are pretty simple and robust, for the HP that was supposed to be run thru them. Like any other auto in those years you push them over 250 HP and work them hard they need some attention.



I had well over 200k on astock auto before I switched the 618 and it was still functioning fine. Lots of trailers and extra power thru it also.



The OD not working is a common problem, usually the VSS. A simple toggle switch will verify that is the problem.

 

[Tippin Spotted Cow]

Could also be the TPS on top of your fuel pump. Sometimes they just get dirty contacts even. The first time my o/d went out I just sprayed the connector plug with contact cleaner and it came back. This time its a VSS wiring related issue for me... not fun. If it is the VSS, you'll probably have a sparatic or dead speedo to go along with the lack of o/d. Odds are, it's nothing inside the transmission, so you won't even need to rip that bad boy apart.



As a side note, from everything I've heard, the Getrag is a heartier transmission than the NV4500, but lack of knowledge by reman guys coupled with low fluid issues has sent a few Getrags to an early grave and given them a bad name.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Thanks for the info on the autos guys, I appreciate it. When I worked at the Dodge dealership, the auto trans tech told me I shouldn't be scared of them since they are not as involved as the 5spd, which I am at ease with. Gears I can deal with, magic fluid power is a new area for me