BD Dodge 47RE Transmission & Converter Package - 1998-1999 4wd c/w Auxiliary Filter

[REdmon]

I have a 1999 2500 diesel with 170,000 miles and the vehicle is acting up, the transmission will not shift out of 1st gear until I let off of the accelerator pedal and then it bogs down like it shifted from 1st to 3rd gear.

At the last vehicle service where I had the rear main seal replaced (5 months ago), I was discussing my transmission with my mechanic and asked him how long I could expect the transmission to run before repairs would be required. He stated with the mileage, his thoughts were I might have a year. Well, the above problem just started.

I haven't taken the truck back in to my mechanic for inspection yet, I wanted to get members opinions on whether I should have the stock transmission rebuilt or should I look to take the truck to a BD authorized installer and have an upgraded BD 47RE transmission and converter package installed. The BD package is $4185.00 plus whatever labor cost is (I haven't checked with them yet).

Should I be looking at sending my original transmission in for rebuild to someone for upgrade package? Your input or suggestions would be much appreciated.

My location is Sacramento California.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[BillBaker]

You don't hear much on the Bd diesel transmissions. I've got one in my truck since 2006 (I believe) that has run flawlessly. I had the pan dropped 2 years ago for a fluid/filter change and mechanic (at the time) found part of a thrust washer and OD snap ring in the pan (common from what I hear) but considering the mileage on it it didn't bother be. It had over 150,000 miles on it. I wanted to take it to a Bd service place but there was none in my state I lived at the time. Had a recommended guy dig into it then I had problems with it. 2 years later now the issues are resolved and I've put a Goerend valve body in it. I like the trans but I'd go another route just because Bd customer service was horrible when I was trying to get information on the transmission. They told me they didn't have the trans information on file (on computer)and that back in 2006 all information was on paper (believe it or not).

 

[REdmon]

Any additional input folks?

 

[JMLambert]

I have had one installed in mine for 10 plus years. I have put 125K miles on it with no problems. I pulled a 14,000 lb. fifth wheel down to Arizona and back to Washington State numerous times. I had the BD transmission and torque converter put in at Orangevale Diesel which is a suburb of Sacramento CA.

 

[BillBaker]

I haven't heard much about them as I said but I'd say they (Bd) are a good trans. The place who installed it (in Pa.) said they sell them like hotcakes and keep a large inventory in stock that they sell so many. Mine is a HD tow trans that was installed by previous owner. It's 13 yrs old and it has 150,000 plus whatever mileage was put on by previous owner 2 years prior before I got it. I had it freshened up 2 years ago with a new planetary, clutches, steels, bushings, seals, etc EVEN though it was running perfectly fine but did so because of the busted parts found in the pan. I figured it was just a good idea while it was apart. I was told by the previous owner it cost about $5,500 trans and labor back in 2006. It had a really nice shift to it that I really got used too that has been toned down a bit with a different valve body. Not a complaint but just a comparison. I would call it a " pop" into gear while shifting. Not harsh nor not soft, it was right in the middle. It's a nice trans. I'm going goerend parts next trans though just because there customer service is top of the line and I hear so much good about them.

 

[REdmon]

Thanks guys. To JM Lambert, I have had work done on my truck through Orangevale Diesel when the truck decided to lose it's mind with a crank no start and the wife was stuck at Bed Bath and Beyond in Folsom. They did a fine job and since they are an authorized BD installer, my plan was to go back to them if I didn't receive any different options to investigate.

 

[GAmes]

$4185.00 plus labor. Unreal. My G56 conversion was roughly $3000 plus labor (mine) about 9 years and 600,000 miles ago. A new clutch and an input bearing (about $1700) since then. Good luck with the rebuild.

 

[BillBaker]

Could you share what route you took, if any yet?

 

[REdmon]

Sure can, I called my mechanic and told him about the shifting issue (I found out I had lost the bands for 2nd gear) and he had 4 words for me "Take it to Aldolpho". That was the 3rd referral I had gotten to take it to Aldolpho here in Placerville. So I did. He found the bands were worn to the point of falling out in @nd, and the turck would shift from 1st to 3rd. He said he could put the bands back in if I was disposing of the truck, or his recommendation was to rebuild. I went that route and had a number of parts upgraded.

So I didn't go with the BD, but probably a rebuild that is a little stronger than the BD. Time will tell as I plan to keep this pickup the est of my life, although that won't prevent me from purchasing a 2013 or so in a few years. This one will remain my work truck here on my 10 acre plot.

Thanks,

Ron