Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Good, Bad, Or Indifferent

[Holysmokes]

I have been reading the forums now for about two weeks gathering all the info I can on my newly purchased Dodge. QC4x4 2500 auto CTD 103k. Im noticing putting it into drive its non-responsive for about 1-1/2 seconds and the indicator says im between N and D and cornering / turning (40mph) seems to drop down a gear. No real mods have been made to it other than K&N air intake. (ok... yet)Will putting a performance valve body help in the shifting around turns? Will stock transmission hold up with new valve body? Are certain components known for failing at a certain milage and can upgrade those components or am I going to need to replace entire transmission? If anyone has experienced this situation or has any advice on this Id be grateful! Other than this I love this truck and cant go back to anything else(hope thats normal too... )Thanks

 

[tractorface]

I'm no expert but

I would check the fluid level. The unresponsive thing is something I have had if I do not drive the truck for awhile. The fluid settles out and takes time to pump back into the converter. If your truck is stock it will not circulate fluid in park. There is a check valve in the transmission cooler line, yours may have failed allowing the fluid to drain back and causing your first problem. Try putting the truck in neutral and let it pump fluid for a minute or so and see if that helps. The corner thing makes me think you are low on fluid so I would check that immediately. If you are really stumped, I know both DTT and Goerend Brothers are very helpful on the phone even if you are driving a stocker. Guess they figure you will need them one day

Good luck

 

[Holysmokes]

thanks... . you are right! low fluid... only bad part it caused by a cracked OD housing. sounds expensive to me!

 

[tractorface]

Hmm

Not sure I understand what cracked. Good luck. Like I said do not hesitate to call one of the trannsmission vendors. They are very helpful. i forgot to add Suncoast to the list.

 

[Holysmokes]

I took it to shop and they dropped the pan to put in a suncoast valve body. (im thinkn in the 600$ range) get a cal the next day that the internal housing for over drive is cracked and had NO fluid in it. Also that my forward band is stretched way out of cantor. To put a suncoast transmission in is going to run me 5k. Have called around to get some quotes and they range from $1008 installed to 5K. Thats a pretty broad range and Im one of those guys that "cheaper isnt always better". So Im sorta at a loss on what to do at this point.

 

[tractorface]

I love my Goerend Brothers transmision. Best upgrade I have done so far. Truck is much more fun to drive. Priced in the middle of the range you quoted. Good stuff at a fair price. If you have time many of the guys here are happy with their aftermarket tranmissions also. Goerend Brothers, DTT, Suncoast, ATS are the most popular while there are still more quality choices to be had. All will be happy to talk to you and help.



I think you will be glad your transmission cracked :-laf :-laf

 

[Holysmokes]

LOL... . Its all in how you look at things huh?... LOL Im going to check out some of these and thanks for the input. By the way BEAUTIFUL TRUCK. Its a shame you had climb that roll back to get him UNSTUCK. LOL HOW many miles on new transmission and any problems with it?

 

[tractorface]

Only had it in since the first of the year. No problems, just

 

[Holysmokes]

Im wondering do any of these better transmission companys make a "rebuild kit"? If none of them, are there any "kits" that you might suggest? thx