Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 2005 transmission in '97 truck?

[Tom C]

Has anyone put a 2005 auto transmission in a '97 auto truck?

I was just pondering what I would do if my current transmission died. Not that I'm having problems. But I remember the '05 I had, had one of the best autos transmission's I've seen in these Dodge trucks. Is it possible to switch to the newer transmission? would the computer control have to also be upgraded?

Figured I'd get my ducks in a row now sow when that dreadful day comes I can make quick repairs. Any info and/or commends are welcome.

Tom

PS: I have 95k mikes on my truck and no problems thus far. At what mileage do the auto transmission's usually need work? or is there a "normal" mileage that they go bad?

 

[dd76522]

i'm kinda curious to see what the guru's say myself though i'm way more curious about the 68rfe in the 08's so... . comeon gurus wheres the info

 

[BTanzini]

Tom, I have 170,000 on the original Auto transmission and I'd like to know how much longer it will go? I'v always had it serviced every 36000 miles. I have been thinking along the same lines as you what stock transmission would be good to replace it with. Good post.

 

[Tom C]

BTanzini,

Its good to see that many miles on a stock transmission. Gives me hope

When I upgraded my transmission two years ago to hold the power I added, Dave Goerend told me that the transmission in the '97 truck is decent one. his comments were:

because you have a 97 a lot of things in the trans have already been updated from the factory, you already have the intermediate shaft with the dual lube holes to feed lube oil to the overdrive section, the bearings in the od are the larger style, 10 clutch plates in the overdrive and 5 in the overdrive direct, the od sun gear is the late style with the front bushing that will seal lube oil in, the od planet has 5 pinion gears and also has the large lube slots cut into the carrier frame, anyway this is not a bad trans from the factory except for the converter and valve body

So I upgraded the converter and valve body. Has been working great. I don't race and tow very little anymore so I figured it might last a while. But its sure nice to have a truck that will get up and boggie when you want it too. Is the '96 the same as the '97 trans? Thanks for your info.

Any one have any comments on converting to a newer transmission?? The '05 truck I had shifted very smooth, used the power very well and I liked the tow mode. sorry I sold it but just did not need it anymore.

 

[zstroken]

It can be done. Change the electronics/harness on the VB, and then make a bushing for your neutral safety switch. I have one in my 97. You need to also change the "rooster cone" on the VB. This is what actuates the gear select switch on the 03 and ups. Also the 05 had a a motor on the Throttle Valve. This might make it shift a little sooner.

 

[Tom C]

zstroken,



Thanks for th info! Did all the bolt holes line up (bellhousing & transfer case)? Did you put the '97 electronics in the new trans ? Do you think its possible to replace the '05 Throttle valve motor with a manual lever?



Thanks,



Tom

 

[zstroken]

SW missouri, where at?



Everything lined up.

I think you should be able to replace the valve with a lever.

If your buying a performance VB, just tell the shop you need 97 electronics, rooster cone, and your putting it in.

 

[BTanzini]

Tom, I believe the trannys are the same but 97 has been up graded from 96. Each year they upgrade the previous years transmission. That is why Im interested in installing a 2000+ transmission when mine goes out like you, I understand they have upgraded the transmission to accept much more toruqe then ours. I said I had 170,000 miles it should have been 173,000+.

 

[zstroken]

Tom, I believe the trannys are the same but 97 has been up graded from 96. Each year they upgrade the previous years transmission. That is why Im interested in installing a 2000+ transmission when mine goes out like you, I understand they have upgraded the transmission to accept much more toruqe then ours. I said I had 170,000 miles it should have been 173,000+.

The first RE's 96 had some of the better diesel pumps. There are very few upgrades that have been done from 96-2002. Pretty much the same transmission. The 96 front pump has more offset in the rotor, for a little better low RPM pumping. 2000+ has different electronics on the VB. You will need new sensors and wiring harness.