Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Auto trans lines

[RBrunson]

Thoes of you that have had failuars with the plastic connections on the eariler 12 valve truck, was it only on the hot line out of the transmission or have you experienced others failing. I have change the hot side of mine, but am a little concerned about the rest of the fittings.

 

[Extreme1]

I replaced all mine before a major trip a couple years ago but I only had big leakage with the out line. There was an "improved" connector in '98 or so so I installed a couple and they DO leak!

 

[SRehberg]

I replaced both the out and the return with Dodge replacement "hard" lines/flares etc. Now I rest easy on a hot day pulling the 5er down the highway, at least knowing an unscheduled oil change isn't in my future. They fit great, easy to install, but pricey through the dealer. I think others have ordered theirs throught DTT and other major diesel suppliers mentioned here on the TDR. It's worth the piece of mind, even if Dodge says it was only the gasser models with the problem. Tell that to the diesel guys who have new transmissions because of a sudden loss of oil.

 

[bluthndr]

$?

What'd those lines cost from the dealer if you don't mind me asking?

 

[SRehberg]

You're looking at about $200, but I have heard others get them cheaper. The dealer wasn't in the mood to be nice, as they and I have locked horns previously over another issue. You might check with the other suppliers which I would imagine are the samething, but less expensive. I didn't replace the ones up front, just the one from the trans to the cooler, and the return from front to the trans. The rest is stock. I didn't like those "quick connect" plastic things that oozed all the time. It's worth the piece of mind wherever you decide to get them. I know they are overpriced, but they are bent to fit and quality made.

 

[bluthndr]

Options

That's about what I figured. For that much II think I am going to make up my own out of AN stuff - either -6 or -8. I don't deny that the factory lines are nice & clean and will fit right, but mine is going to be slightly different than stock (possibly frame mounted cooler in adition to one on rear of engine rather than the radiator mounted one... ). I just can't see cutting up those nice (and expensive) lines to make them work for me. Thanks for the info!

 

[SRehberg]

I almost did the samething, I was getting ready for vacation so figured I would get myself into a jam at the last minute. So opted for the lines I knew would fit. It seems like when I try something at the last minute, that's the project that goes haywire! Good luck with the conversion, I'm sure it'll be as good or better than OEM.