Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 95 Auto transmission

[Piatt]

I have a stock 95 2500 4x4 auto and I have put over 205,000 miles on it. Over the years I have hauled some pretty major loads and have had only minor problems with the engine and none so far with the transmission. I am getting ready to purchase a camper that weighs almost 2900 lbs dry, but a friend of mine told me my truck had a weak transmission and I should be careful. Does anyone have any improvement suggestions? I would hate to be miles from civilization and have my transmission break down on me!

 

[JKouzez]

your friend is right these trucks do have weak trannys i would recomend looking into the high performance transmission vendors for the ultimate in peace of mind. DTT, ATS, Suncoast, and Goerend Bros. all seem to have an exceelent product. They are pricey but worth every penny.

 

[Lnwing]

Piatt,



205,000 miles on a "weak" transmission doesn't sound so shabby!! Your stock power level has a lot to do with that.



My stock 95 transmission was showing no signs of dying, but at 150,000 a cooling line broke and dumped the fluid. I eased another 10,000 out of it before finally replacing it with a Goerand transmission. I had been planning on some power upgrades anyhow, so the transmission was built to handle my target of 300 hp.



As you shop for a replacement transmission, decide first what power level you want to aim for. Throwing a full blown race transmission at a stock powered truck is a waste of money IMO, and you probably won't like the way it drives.



FWIW, I now have 55,000 hard miles on the transmission Dave built for me. It has performed flawlessly, and cost considerably less than some other options I had at the time.



Lynn

 

[Howard Durand]

I hardly think that you have a "weak" transmission. They do a pretty good job of hauling the loads that the trucks are designed for. You haven't done any power mods that would challenge it. The 2900 pound camper is within the load rating of the truck so don't worry. If you are concerned, call Bill K at DTT. He will talk to you free of charge.

One thing that might make a difference is the gear ratio. Is yours 3. 54 or 4. 10?

 

[Piatt]

Piatt,



205,000 miles on a "weak" transmission doesn't sound so shabby!! Your stock power level has a lot to do with that.



My stock 95 transmission was showing no signs of dying, but at 150,000 a cooling line broke and dumped the fluid. I eased another 10,000 out of it before finally replacing it with a Goerand transmission. I had been planning on some power upgrades anyhow, so the transmission was built to handle my target of 300 hp.



As you shop for a replacement transmission, decide first what power level you want to aim for. Throwing a full blown race transmission at a stock powered truck is a waste of money IMO, and you probably won't like the way it drives.



FWIW, I now have 55,000 hard miles on the transmission Dave built for me. It has performed flawlessly, and cost considerably less than some other options I had at the time.



Lynn

Thanks for the tips. I've been thinking about making some improvements and I'm sure not a person that throws his hard working dollars away.

 

[Piatt]

your friend is right these trucks do have weak trannys i would recomend looking into the high performance transmission vendors for the ultimate in peace of mind. DTT, ATS, Suncoast, and Goerend Bros. all seem to have an exceelent product. They are pricey but worth every penny.

Thanks for the information. Now I need to find a local Oregon dealer that is honest...

 

[Piatt]

I hardly think that you have a "weak" transmission. They do a pretty good job of hauling the loads that the trucks are designed for. You haven't done any power mods that would challenge it. The 2900 pound camper is within the load rating of the truck so don't worry. If you are concerned, call Bill K at DTT. He will talk to you free of charge.

One thing that might make a difference is the gear ratio. Is yours 3. 54 or 4. 10?

Thanks Howard,



I have the 3:54. For piece of mind I will give DTT a call.

 

[BMancin]

When i bought my 94 the people i got it from had got the transmission rebuilt with a beefier TC my truck is at 227,000 the new transmission is 5k old, it was fixed because it was towed heavy with. Im just adding a Transgo TFOD Diesel shift kit it make it last a wile, i found it for $38 and now have it but it isnt in yet. This might be a nice thing to do if you have no mods and are doing a little towing especially if you dont want to spend a lot of money, although im sure there is no replacement for a DTT transmission.

 

[bmoeller]

I second what Lnwing said. Just had Goerends put a transmission in my truck yesterday. All I can say is, WOW, what a difference. Can't believe I waited that long. Almost feels like there is a manual transmission in there. If I plant my foot off the line, you can feel and SEE the front-end come up several inches when it shifts into O/D lock-up. I thought my truck felt pretty fast before, but the change was amazing. I knew the stocker was slipping, but didn't realize how bad.



Since I tow heavy at low speeds, I went for the triple disc T/C.



I also had them replace the rear main seal on the engine and both output shaft seals on the t-case, since tthey were leaking. They always replace the t-case input shaft seal. Also got rid of the OEM quick disconnect fittings/ lines.



I got to watch them tear down my old transmission, while the new one was going in. Had heat damaged steels in several clutch packs, and had a bad sun gear in the O/D section.



I've driven almost 300mi with it. So far, so good. VERY pleased with the outcome.



If you decide to go their route, you won't be disappointed.

 

[WaynesWorld]

Piatt,



Howard, you would love the transmission job I had done on thursday. I, like bmoeller, had mine done at Goerends. The triple disc converter was the key to the trans working even better with the other mods. The trans will be assembled to your HP & TQ specs. This is my second trip to Dave. I was there about 2 & 1/2 years ago for my inital flawless upgrade. Since then, I have added more HP & TQ to my truck, thus my upgrade to a trans that will handle my additions. Oo.

When you get to watch your trans & converter being built you know more about what your truck is doing. Watching Norby R&R everything is also very informative. Hint, always check the lines for damaged. Don't take a chance, replace them if there is any hint of rust. Its cheaper & easier to do it then!!!

Also, check your flex plate for wear or damage. Dave rebuilt mine to handle the new mods better. :-laf

This is why I drove up to see Dave. My truck now can put that power to the ground much better than it ever has :--)

Enjoy your truck.

WAYNES WORLD