Dodge auto transmission reliability

[sdaves]

Ok. I have one more question.



I am looking at two different trucks. I don't need a gas vs. diesel debate... just a straight forward facts and opinions reply. I am looking for problems, etc with the newer auto trannies. The biggest thing I tow regularly is a 1800lb boat. MAY tow a 8k lb bobcat 1-3 times/year.



First truck:

2500 4wd QC HEMI automatic



Second truck:

2500 4wd QC with the Cummins. Was initially looking at a 6 speed, but would like for my wife to be able to drive it EASILY.



Whatever I buy I NEED it to last for 7-10 years with little to no problems. I know that is a crapshoot, but I dont wanna buy something with a transmission that is troublesome. I have heard the past dodge transmission horror stories.



I am one that believes that Dodge is putting out a truck that is good or even better than the other of the BIG 3. They are without a doubt putting out the BEST looking trucks.



Thanks... and I look forward to your replies.

 

[y-knot]

I think you will be fine with the Cummins and the automatic. For what you use the truck for, the auto will last a good long time. The problems seem to be from adding to much power, and towing to much weight (over 8000lbs). The ones that don't have a chance are the guy's that tow and add power ( wonder who that might be?). I think with regular maintanence and only light use there is little to worry about, so you are fine. My biggest gripe, is they sell a HD truck, which most buy to tow HD loads, and the trany should not be an issue, it should be able to tow and live. I hope they (Dodge) work this out with there new "600". Good luck.

 

[Steve M]

My '03 is my fourth. I've owned a '95, 98, '01. 5 and now my '03. The '98 was a 5spd but the others automatic. Our Durango is also automatic. Other than a sensor on the '01. 5, I haven't had any transission trouble. My vehicles all remain stock as far as power goes. Based on my experience with them, my next truck will likely be a Dodge with an automatic. Maybe even with a HEMI for a change. My co-worker friend sure likes his 2500 HEMI.

 

[Jerry R]

No problem!! I tow my 8000 lb boat with mine, and it doesn't work hard at all. I would say less than 10,000 lb regular towing, you are safe with an auto in a diesel.

 

[rrausch]

I ran my '95 bombed and towing a 5th wheel TT for 107,000 miles over 6 years with a stock 47RH automatic. But then I got my ATS Trans 2 years ago. Much better solution than stock, and I think the ATS will last a LONG time!

 

[dmurdock]

Either option *should* last that time frame with regular maintenance no problem. If your looking at that length of timeframe, I'd lean toward diesel just for the savings from fuel mileage.

 

[inarush76]

auto

Go with the auto. Have line pressure checked and set to assure it is correct. Consider a DTT valvebody which will help lock up and lube as well as cooler flow in park, etc. This along with regular maintenance and synthetic ATF should give your trans a good life.

Go with a diesel as mentioned for the better mileage and longer life.

James

DTT builder/installer

29 years exp.

 

[Phil Howell]

I owned a 2003 QC Hemi 4x4 and now own a 2004 Cummins/48RE QC 4x4. I admonish you to GET THE DIESEL! The Hemi sounds great but has very little low-end torque. It gets dismal fuel economy, even when unloaded. It also has very poor resale value. I took a loss, but got rid of it as soon as I could.



My Cummins is just the opposite. Great power and torque, great fuel economy and I don't even feel the 6500 lbs. or so that I tow sometimes. The transmission works well and I have had no problems to report.



Once again -- GET THE DIESEL!!!!!!

 

[InThinAir]

This might be a contradiction to what most have said here but, my personal experience is that the STOCK auto will last longer in the gasser than in the diesel. If I was to get an auto, which I will never do again, I would take it to ATS and upgrade it after 25-35k miles. But the auto in the gasser has to put up with alot less torque and therefore will last longer. My 1500 has a new Jasper transmission in it, the original lasted 176k stock. My buddys stock 2000 auto 2500 lasted 90k in the Cummins. He never towed heavy, most just small fishing boats.



If you want power get the cummins and upgrade the transmission. If you want the transmission to last get the gasser.



---Doug

 

[sdaves]

transmission upgrading???

How much would it cost to upgrade the transmission by ATS or another reputable company to be able to be "bulletproof"?



FYI: The MOST power upgrades I would ever do would be an exhaust... so no bombing for me.



Thanks

 

[rrausch]

About 2 years ago, my complete ATS Stage IV rebuild cost about $3,600 as I recall. But the beauty of ATS is you don't need the complete rebuild with a relatively new trans. You can just get the TripleLok TC and their valve Body and those two alone will make your trans last longer, as you can bet your booty the ATS TC won't degrade under H. P. & Torque. In other words you can do it in stages, as you need it. You don't have to junk a perfectly good trans. to get the performance & longevity.

 

[DPKetchum]

Does any one have any idea to how the new 5 speed auto is doing with the gas burners?

 

[MUDDY]

Originally posted by rrausch

About 2 years ago, my complete ATS Stage IV rebuild cost about $3,600 as I recall. But the beauty of ATS is you don't need the complete rebuild with a relatively new trans. You can just get the TripleLok TC and their valve Body and those two alone will make your trans last longer, as you can bet your booty the ATS TC won't degrade under H. P. & Torque. In other words you can do it in stages, as you need it. You don't have to junk a perfectly good trans. to get the performance & longevity.

so i guess i best get the mods done now b4 i start towin heavy and upin the power or else its gonna cost a bunch more,,,,eh

 

[WMonroe]

I think either truck would work well with what you need it for. It just depends on how much you want to spend up front, and what kind of resale value you want.

Will