Automatic Transmission Maintenance

[Archive]

I am approaching the first scheduled automatic transmission service. I can handle the fluid and filter change but never have I adjusted bands before. How difficult is this to do? Is it covered in the service manual from DDS that I am about to order? I will add a drain plug to the pan for future ease in servicing, are there any other recommendations? Type of fluid to put back in? External filter? Shift kits? Any other suggestions for maintaining these transmissions? Thanks.

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'98. 5 Forest Green 2500HD, QC, LB, Cummins ISB, Auto Trans, SLT, Aux. Rear
Suspension, Trailer Tow package, 4. 10 w/ LSD, HD Transfer Case, Keyless
entry, Camel Leather, ICI Stainless steel Nerf Bars, Bed rail caps, fender
trims and rocker panels, Twin Firestik Firefly antennas & Cobra 29LTD
Classic CB.

Junction City, Oregon

 

[Archive]

Terry;
My 1998. 5 has a drain plug. It's small and removes with an allen wrench. I would be interested in finding out if yours does not have one.
Arlan

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1998 QC 3500 4X4 3. 54 Auto ISB with all options. TST PowerMax1 BD TC and Valve Body. RV Injectors. 9000 LB Warn Winch Ultra Board running boards. Westach Combo Boost/EGT and Transmission Temp.
gauges,GPS etc. etc.
1946 Mercury Coupe Street Rod
1955 Willys Station Wagon
1995 Lexus SC400

[This message has been edited by arlan (edited 08-28-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

Have you guys considered the Mag-Hytectransmission pan? You gain more volume, heat dissipation, and a magnetic drainplug. Also, because the pan is deeper, the filter is above the bottom of the pan. Fins in the pan catch any debris, and the filter doesn't suck it up. Your filter will stay cleaner longer. Also, there is a pipe thread hole already drilled to install a temperature gauge sender unit. I have a 5-speed, but I think this is a great item for you automatic guys. I wasn't sure if you knew about it.
Andy

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'97 CC 4X4 5-speed, too much to list here, on cover & pg. 91 of TDR issue 24.
Be sure to visit Northwest Custom

 

[Archive]

Yeah Andy;
I considered it before if found out my 1998. 5
pan is the same added capacity, has a magnet in the bottom of the pan and a drain plug. I think the Mag Tech pan is great for a 1997 or older automatic but for 1998 and newer the only real gain is the threaded hole for a temperature sensor. For about $120. 00 you can purchase a TC out line with a fitting and put the sensor where it belongs. A wrecking yard would probally run about $25. 00. It's all relative and a trade off as the 1998 pan isn't suppose to fit (now I've only been told that by one guy) the earlier model truck although I can't see why. I'm also not sure just when the TC out line with the fitting for a temperature sensor was discontinued my DC. Anyway it's only money and decision after decision, is that not true. Have a great day forever.
Arlan

 

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I didn't know that DC added a drainplug, Arlan. It's about time! Why didn't Chrysler, Ford, and G. M. install drainplugs on automatics from the beginning? Can you imagine if the big 3 never installed drainplugs on oil pans? Everybody would have to remove their oil pan to change the oil! I think a drainplug and an external filter on the trans should be standard on all vehicles!

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Andy Perreault, Torrance, Calif.
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'97 CC 4X4 5-Speed, on cover & page 91 of TDR issue 24.
Be sure to visit Northwest Custom

 

[Archive]

Well guys...
maybe I wasn't looking in the proper place, but I own a 1998. 5 24V isb w/Auto and I've got to tell you there was No drain plug on that transmission.
It was the deeper version of the pan that was introduced in 1998 however no drain plug.
(At least down low on the pan where it would have done any good at all. )
On my first fluid / filter change I drilled out the pan and installed a B&M plug.
Junk. . Junk... Junk.....
The plastic washer weeped all the time.
You had to be careful not to turn the plug seat when removing the plug itself less you drop the retaining nut inside the pan.

Now that a MagHytech pan has been installed, All I can say is AWESOME!!!!
That Is One Nice Pan!!!!!
Well Made And WELL Worth the $$ for the peace of mind it gives knowing that the seal isn't going to go south...
Save your Pennies and go with the best, you won't be dissapointed.

As a side note . . forget Amsoil in the transmission... I put it in and couldn't get it out fast enough.
All My shifts felt like slush...
A call to Amsoil H. Q. told me that the ATF+3 Crysler insists on, is specially formulated for heavy duty applications. I asked Amsoil if their ATF was rated to the ATF+3 specs. and the said NO!!!
As a matter of fact, they said that they couldn't even get access to the test that would allow them to try for the rating!

They said if the transmission shifts felt soft , or if the transmission slipped or stuttered. . go back to ATF+3!

Next, Be AWARE. The "Soft" filter that most dealer's parts department will offer you to replace the one you now have is WRONG...
The one we need Has A Hard Metal/plastic Case (And costs @18. 00)
The "Soft" Filter Was never designed to handle the extra capacity of the new increased fluid capacity or flow.

As Always . . Opposing Viewpoints Are Welcome.

Larry Quinn

 

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I also think the Mag-hytec Covers are the way to go! They are well designed and are of extreme high quality, bar none!

Wayne
amsoilman

 

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Hi Arlan, I had to go out and double check, but my truck built 12/98 in St. Louis doesn't have a drain plug! I'm curious if your truck was built in Mexico or the USA?

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99'2500 SLT, White/Driftwood,Agate Leather, LB,Quadcab,4x4,Auto,3. 54

 

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Larry, I had one of those B&M drainplug kits on a '79 Ford. It always leaked until I got rid of the plastic washer and brazed the the plug to the pan.
Andy

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'97 CC 4X4 5-Speed, on cover & page 91 of TDR issue 24.
Be sure to visit Northwest Custom

 

[Archive]

If you want to do anything to beef up your transmission, you need to call BD Engine Brake. These guys really know their stuff. Check out their web site through the links page. If you do a lot of towing or if you do heavy towing or even if you have just "stepped-up" you engine, you should get one of their torque converters and valve bodies.

 

[Archive]

I also have a '98. 5 ISB, auto. , Made in the USA with a build date of 5-12-98. There was no drain plug in the transmission pan. I changed over to the Mag-Hytec trans. pan as soon as they became available.

I am considering the addition of BD's trick valve body and possibly their "regular" (lower stall than OE) torque converter. Several shops have told me BD's "low stall" TC does not work correctly in the '98/'99 autos. I am also considering the Sun Coast TC; has anyone had any experience with this unit or the aforementioned BD components?

Red Line Synthetic sells five different types of synthetic ATFs; one of which is the Crysler C+ ATF3. I used this in my trans. when I added the Mag-Hytec trans. pan. The performance Diesel shop near me uses this in all Dodge Ram automatic transmissions that specify the C+ ATF3, ATF. They use the Amsoil synthetic ATF in the earlier (2nd generation) Rams. Apparently the Amsoil will allow the TCC to chatter when used in the '98/'99 transmissions (possibly the '97s too).

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'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (black) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, auto. , 275 hp. injectors, Glasstite Vision II "canopy", 285 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, VDO Vision gauges, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc.

 

[Archive]

Arlan, I dont have a drain plug in my transmission pan either. Was built in June of '98 at St Louis plant. I think I will order the Mag-Hytec pan when its time to drop the pan.

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'98. 5 Forest Green 2500HD, QC, LB, Cummins ISB, Auto Trans, SLT, Aux. Rear
Suspension, Trailer Tow package, 4. 10 w/ LSD, HD Transfer Case, Keyless
entry, Camel Leather, ICI Stainless steel Nerf Bars, Bed rail caps, fender
trims and rocker panels, Twin Firestik Firefly antennas & Cobra 29LTD
Classic CB.

Junction City, Oregon

 

[Archive]

Okay I couldn't stand it and went and looked, the pan is deep black and ribbed, but could not find drain plug, only drain plug in an allen wrench was in the transfer case.

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54

 

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Hey Guys;
I sure don't understand this drain plug thing. My truck was built at the St. Louis plant on 2-98. If it didn't have the drain plug I would have definitely have installed the Mag-Hyteh pan on my truck. It looks like a great product. Yeah John, I have the BD torque converter and BD valve body. I love it. It makes the transmission feal real. No more mushy slow shifts. I don't know any thing about the Suncoast torque converters. If you go with the BD valve body make sure you change out the Governor Pressure Solenoid. The ones on the 1998 and new trucks have a white electrical connector and you will need the older style with the black electrical connector. I know this sounds weird but it's true. I had my BD TC and valve body installed at Carson Dodge (they Stock BD) but they didn't know about the problem. After a few hundred miles my transmission would go in to limp in mode. This is where your dreaded check engine light comes on and you loose first and second gear until you restart the engine. Actually you only loose first but you have to pull the shifter down to first or second to get second gear. I know this sound weird but talk to Bill at BD (800 887-5030). He will tell you exactly which Pressure Solenoid to use.
Arlan

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1998. 5 QC 3500 4X4 3. 54 Auto ISB with all options. TST PowerMax1 BD/TC and Valve Body. RV Injectors, 9000 LB Warn Winch, Ultra Board Running Boards, Westach Combo Boost/EGT and Transmission Temperature gauges, GPS etc. etc.
1946 Mercury Coupe Street Rod
1955 Willys Station Wagon
1995 Lexus SC400



[This message has been edited by arlan (edited 08-29-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

I had a 92 Ram that after it set over nite on a incline the fluid would drain out of the converter. There was a lag in the morning when I started it,as it took time for the pump to refill the converter. When I would change the fluid and filter I would only get 5gts. So the next time I parked it on Ramps and got an additional 3-4 gts of fluid. Also the Valvoline quick change,shops here where I live advertize they get 100% of the fluid out when they change your transmission fluid as they have a way of siphoneing out all the fluid.

 

[Archive]

So many issues! For what it's worth, I've had to address each with some recent mods to my transmission... .....

I've installed a TransGo Diesel shift kit in my '98 automatic with a TCS torque converter. The TC is supposed to have a 500 rpm lower stall speed but I'm not really sure it does. In any case it works. I also installed a B&M drain plug and yes, it leaked. I went back inside and put some silicone around the hole and it seems to be holding. I also starting using Valvoline ATF+3 instead of MOPAR ATF+3 mostly because of cost. The Valvoline stuff is less than $2/quart and I haven't found the MOPAR stuff for less than $3/quart. After 8,000 miles, I haven't had any chattering or fluid associated problems.

I did not replace the governor solenoid, but only because I haven't had any of the problems associated with it. Prior to this thread, I had heard the biggest problem was a failure to drop back to first gear and trying to start from a standstill in third. Only the modified transmissions were having this problem. Apparantly some of the stock solenoids aren't up to the task of handling lots of mods and require a heavier duty replacement.

And last, the '98s started using a black enclosed filter instead of the older open yellow cloth filter. Make sure you get the right one when doing the replacement.

Mike B.

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'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter,
TransGo Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
'98 Texas Bragg 20' 12,000# GVW Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
'97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

 

[Archive]

Arlan, I too had the "limp mode" problem. First time it happened after I changed the valve body, I thought I would cry. Then I called Bill and he sent me the new part and it fixed it right up. Like I said, these guys are great!

 

[Archive]

Regarding the transmission drain plug, I also have a 99 truck and it doesn't have the drain. I remember reading that the BD torque convertor includes a drain. Perhaps your truck has this convertor.

 

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Aren't you supposed to change the filter anytime you drain the fluid. I suppose DC's theory is it saves them money not having the drain and since the filter gets replaced at the same time the fluids changed, the only real problem is the mess.

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99 White 2500HD, QC, LB, Cummins ISB, Auto Trans, Loaded SLT, Aux. Rear
Suspension, Trailer Tow package, 4. 10 w/ LSD, HD Transfer Case, Keyless
entry, Agate, Stainless steel Nerf Bars, Dodge Mud flaps.

 

[Archive]

Yes. . you are ment to change the filter at every fluid change... HOWEVER...

The recommended fluid/filter change is at @30,000 miles.

I change the fluid every 15,000 and do the filter every other fluid change.

The drain plug speeds this process up.

It also is sure nice to lower an empty pan than a full one...

The auto transmission hitched up to the engine is up to the task (Barely). .
When you add towing. . 4 wheeling... Hot days stuck in traffic... . ect. . ect. . all that stands between your transmission and a failure is the P. M. that you do.
FRESH FLUID is about the cheapest transmission repair you'll ever pay for.

I know most people still have warranty coverage to help if the transmission does fail. . but as I've said before. . I want my truck home. . not up on a lift at the dealer.

As Always. . opposing viewpoints are welcome.

Larry Quinn