93 Automatic

[TKirby]

I just picked up a 93 extended cab 4x4 with an automatic. This is my first diesel truck. I have a small farm and will be using it mainly for towing and general farm duty. It runs and drives great. Several people have now mentioned to me that the weak spot on the truck will be the transmission. It has 215K miles, and I'm told the only transmission work it's had is something to do with the overdrive (bands?). I was also told through the previous owner that the TPS goes bad quite often and is superexpensive to replace, and that I'll know when that happens because it will not shift into overdrive. My question is, what kind of automatic do I likely have (93 stock truck), is the transmission really as big a piece of dung as everyone says, and is there anything I can do to beef it up or preserve it. I'm already planning on a transmission temp gauge. I'm also trying to find a three pod dashtop gauge mount, but not having much luck... can anyone help? The truck already has a diprocol boost gauge and I really like the look of it. I'd like to stick with that brand of gauge but add transmission temp and (I guess) a pyrometer although I'm not planning any major power changes from stock.



The truck is is in pretty nice shape overall. It has had the rockers replaced (but not a very nice job) and it has a bit of rust popping out on the bed. I'm thinking of Line-X on the rockers, front and back, as well as in the bed. It's two tone black and silver, and everything on it works great... AC, cruise, power windows and door locks, etc. Quite a nice find for $6K I thought, especially given how nicely it runs and drives. I just want to take all reasonable precautions to ensure I get plenty of additional life out of it.

Thanks for any advice, it's great to be onboard!



Todd Kirby

 

[Philip]

Welcome to the TDR.





Seeing as how you just got the truck. I would do a trans service first thing. Change the fluid and filter and adjust the bands. Look for debris in the bottom of the pan. There should be some in it from normal wear. If the amount is large that would be a sign of problems.



The trans isn't as bad as a lot of people want you to beleave. The most glaring spot is the loose torque converter that Dodge installed. If you are towing a lot put a second trans cooler on it. Most use one with a temp controled fan on it.



The TPS is some what of a problem. But with the age of these trucks. Loose connections on the factory plugs is a bigger headache. It gives the symptoms of a bad TPS sometimes.



I would install a pryo. You don't know if anyone has been into the pump and turned it up. Towing could take you into high EGT's. My 93 with just the fuel pin turned to max can break 1100 degrees with a trailer and car behind it. Cummins says 1250 max temps.



If you don't have a factory service manual I would recommend getting one. It will help you learn your truck better.



Go into your user control panel and set up a signature telling what your truck is so you won't need to type it in all the time. You might also want to put the state you live it. That way if someone is close they might be able to help sometime.

 

[Greenleaf]

Welcome!! I agree with Philip. My engine is FAR from stock HP and I use the factory transmission. However, I do not tow and the (transmission) temp gauge is always very low. I change the (trans) oil yearly/adjust the bands. I always have a tad bit of very fine (brass?) in the bottom of the pan after a yearly run(about 12K miles) It's tough to say if mine has ever been rebuilt.



I don't lug the trans in OD. I'm often shifting in/out OD manually while driving in congested areas. She will upshift into OD about 35mph. The shifter button on the lever makes this nice.





I have not done so, however some bypass the TPS and use a manually operated switch mounted on the floor. A floor mount hi-low beem switch. Others have rigged the TPS to function as a switch as opposed to a potentiometer (sp).



It's been told that the base transmission (727) is the same as used in the muscle cars of the 60's-70's (?) They went to the drag strip more than once behind Mopar power.



GL

 

[Madurski]

My 92 has just over 300K and the automatic trans has never been touched (other than fluids). It tends to slip if it hasn't been run for a few days but only initially. I don't really know what model trans it has in it. I used to regularly tow a car and trailer but only occasionally tow a trailer and backhoe now. Sounds like you got a great work vehicle.

 

[TKirby]

Based on the 727?

Wait... you mean the transmission in my 1993 truck is the same basic transmission as the 727 that's in my 440 Powerwagon? If so, my B&M extra capacity pan is going on the diesel! I need to look into this closer.

One thing I noticed today was that my 93 has had a Borgeson shaft added to replace that rag joint (again, same as my powerwagon!). No wonder it drives nice and doesn't have that typical road wander that I've noticed in other trucks. The borgeson piece is a nice addition. Hope I keep finding goodies!

Todd K.

 

[Philip]

That B&M pan will fit with no problems. I am not sure on the 3rd gen's. But the pans will interchange between the 1 & 2nd gens trans.

 

[TKirby]

transmission Temp Sensor

Since my B&M pan has a drain hole, is there a way to mount a transmission temp sensor there, or is that a bad place to monitor trans temp? Sure could make it easy!

Todd K.

 

[JBlubaugh]

I also have a 93' automatic. The trany presently has 90K since the last rebuid, and still runs very strong. The truck has many performance upgrades and they have not seemed to effect it. I hope this helps.



Josh Blubaugh

 

[Greenleaf]

The drain hole is used by some and not by others. I use my drain hole for just that. Getting the bulk of the oil out. I use a street "T" threaded into the coupler that is welded onto the trans out-put line. This enables me to install both the factory sensor and the ISSPRO Temp sensor. I monitor the actual temp of the oil in the trans as opposed to the oil after it's been cooled.



Scott

 

[TKirby]

I didn't know there was a factory sensor. I was wondering if I could place a sensor in where the drain hole is in my B&M pan (perhaps on a TEE as you describe), and whether this is a good place to monitor the transmission. It would be monitoring the oil temp of the reservoir. Does any one know the safe temp range if I go with this method, and whether it's worth doing or is there a better location?

 

[csnider]

I did a few adjustments reccommended by HDM48 when I serviced my truck and it really improved the overall performence even when i still had my stock converter. . the adjustments include the two bands and a pump pressure adjustment along with replacing the plastic accumulator piston with a aluminum one( about $7 at a local transmission parts house) and leaving out the accumulator spring..... Here's the thread that explains it. . It's fairly easy and worth checking out... . Even if you don't do the accumulator piston thing. you'll get better results by pump pressure adjustments and band adjustments. . Here's the link. .



http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59225

 

[1stgen4evr]

transmission problems

The transmission will last as long as it stays cool. Heat will be a function of the utilization that your truck sees. The stock converter is prone to create excess heat under heavy load and will contribute to early seal failure. Leaks in the clutch pack seals will allow clutch slippage which will accelerate heat, wear and early death.



I suspect that the street "T" that Steve advises is the best way to monitor the operational temperature. Although any system is better than no system. The automatic and the manual transmission on these truck are not as tough as the Cummins and by comparison are the weak link. But they are by no means a 'pos'. Manage the system and you will get long service.



The TPS is a less than adequate method of OD control but there are ways to work around that problem as well. Look into what other owners have done. I have two automatics and one has a switch, the other is stock. When the TPS begins to give trouble, it is simpler to delete it. I don't have the switch on the lever but that is surely the best way to work around the problem.



All in all, I think you will really appreciate the solid value of your truck. And TDR



James