Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Catch-up Or Lead Trans. Question

[TJMIV]

Is Dodge going to build or use a 5 speed auto or are they going to remain behind in this department? Have`nt had any trouble with my 6 speed but would strongly consider an auto if it were a 5 speed. The 4 speed auto seems to have a little to much gap between shifts which seems to lug the engine. I know that I`ll probably stay with my 6 speed until such an animal is available from Dodge. I like the Cummins to much to switch brands. If anyone out there knows anything speak up please. Thanks In Advance

 

[y-knot]

The transmission has been the weak link in the Dodge/Cummins partnership since day one. I have no ideal why Dodge and their engineers are not addressing the problem, maybe money is the issue? I know it takes alot to bring new parts into the line-up, there is the design, R&D, testing and implementation, but still something stinks. Ford designed their own 5-speed automatic and GM used the Allison. We basically have the same trany the very first diesel Dodge rolled off the line with, some 17 plus years ago. And that was the same trany design they used in the 60', what gives?

They say if you build it they will come? So maybe Dodge thought why build these losers a new automatic transmission, helll they'll buy the truck with the old junk if they get their all mighty Cummins? That might be the thought? Seems to have worked too. Why should they invest the dollars when it really does not matter, they sell trucks like it is, and most go into it knowing the trany is bad. I have seen many on here stick their head in the sand and act as if things were some how better now, whats changed? They gave the 46 and new name and called it a 47, then they ran that batch threw the mill and when things got backed up, they came out with a new name for the 47, they called it the 48. Seems to work for most folks too, they buy the truck and tell themselves it's all better now cause I have the newest model, a 48 wear you had the problem 47, yell right.

Could Dodge fix the 48 to work well with the Cummins diesel engine? Just ask any one that bought themselves a new torque converter and trany from anyone of three major aftermarket transmission outlets, hell yell they could make it alot better! But why, people are falling over themselves trying to get out of their 2003,2004 lease and get into one of them new 600, another fancy name change that really meant nothing. Wow, I can go from 555 to 600 lb/ft of torque!!

Mercedes Benz has had a very good 5-speed automatic transmission for some time, why doesn't it show up in a new line-up? What are they saving it for? This is only one of the many reasons why I will not buy another Dodge product, to me they are laughing in our faces and playing many for fools.