A 518 Replacement

[JCrank]

Hi Everyone, I am contemplating rebuilding or replacing the A 518 in my 93 350. I would like to draw on everyone's experience and hear your pros and cons for rebuilding vs. replacement. If I replace it any recommendations for the replacement. If rebuilding, dependable ,reliable transmission shops in Northeastern NC or Southeastern VA ? I'm looking for a economical, reliable solution... ...

TIA

 

[DBF]

There are no A518's left in Chrysler stock. I got one of the last they had way back in 2001. Then I got the DTT 89% torque converter and shipped DTT the valve body to set up to match my driving style.

It's worked for over 140,000 miles, most of that towing my 5er. Cheap? No. Reliable? Yes.

DTT recommends Chip's Transmissions in Sevierville TN for work on their stuff. I went there not long ago to have them check the wear and tear on my 518. They measured and looked, and said it was still well within tolerances and to come back in a year or two.

You might try them for ideas. There's a motel a block away and lots of restaurants. They understand high-torque diesels.

Sevierville Tennessee Transmission Repair

Regards, DBF

 

[dpuckett]

If there are no local transmission shops that understand diesels and low RPM function, then get a complete transmission and install it yourself. May cost more, but will be more cost effective in the long run than having some shop do a sloppy job, leaving you worse than before.



What is your 518 doing now?



Daniel

 

[JCrank]

I think I am experiencing the typical 518 problem of a internal pressure leak. In other words whenever I shut the truck off for a few minutes and restart, after the engine oil pressure gauge starts to climb, I have to put the transmission in neutral for a minute before the truck will move. Also not shifting properly all the time. I changed the fluid and filter and adjusted the bands about 6000 miles ago... . At that time the truck would barely move, but the fluid I dumped out looked nearly new and there was almost no sludge in the pan. Changing the fluid and adjusting the bands made so much difference for the better it was like flipping a switch. If my odometer is to be believed I've only got slightly over 133K on my truck.