Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Is it torque converter lockout?

[wyatt1672]

My 01 RAM has the original transmission with almost 300k miles on it. It has a long delay before shifting gears. I also get a heavy shutter, normally under heavy acceleration or when towing, the same as if I was pumping the accelerator. I had the transmission flushed and the bands adjusted but no change. I read some other posts and it sounded the same but I was not positive. The APPS noise isolater was the recommended fix. Any other thoughts or ideas? Thank you ahead of time for all your responses and input.

 

[DavidC]

Have you tried shifting manually thru each gear ?. Could be the gov. transducer/solenoid.

Dave

 

[wyatt1672]

thanks for the response. No I have not tried shifting manualy and I forgot to mention that its an automatic.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Could be your torque converter is not locking completely. With that mileage, it is probably very tired, and the lockup clutch is worn. I suggest replacing the TC with a multiple disc type, and a lockup controller.

 

[DavidC]

It has a long delay before shifting gears.

Is this all gears or one in particular.

Dave

 

[cerberusiam]

The shuddering could be clutch packs or TC, depends on when it happens. At 300k you pretty much got the goody out of the trans. I would guess it is due for a rebuild at this point.

 

[bry1216]

I am sorry to say, but it sounds as the friction material is gone and you are grinding metal to metal in the clutch packs. Check the trans fluid color and smell it for a burnt smell.



300k is very impressive!

 

[wyatt1672]

the delay in shifting is all the gears, and the shutter ive only noticed from the 3rd and 4th gear.

 

[wyatt1672]

I checked the fluid when the engine was cold. The fluid has the bright red, same as when it is new and it does not smell burnt. A bunch of the miles were put on while towing a trailer. Nothing major, around 4000lb. If it does need a rebuild, would you suggest a new transmission over a rebuild?

 

[RonaldLarson]

The only somewhat weak point in the transmission is the TC. Whether you rebuild or go new, by all means, put in a good aftermarket TC and controller. You have no idea how a controller can make the transmission so much more adaptable and extend it's life. Programmable lock, unlock and second gear lockup with no throttle pressure.

 

[cerberusiam]

the delay in shifting is all the gears, and the shutter ive only noticed from the 3rd and 4th gear.

The delayed shifting is probably the gov pressure transducer and \or solenoid finally giving up. That is their favorite failure sign.

The shudder on the 3-4 shift could be TC or OD clutch pack. Depends on whether it happens on the shift or TC lockup.

The 47RE has been out of manufacture for 10 years, you will not find a new transmission. If you rebuild what you have you will know what you have. Depends on whether you can trust the vendor to put all good parts in the trans when it rebuilt on a swap.

 

[wyatt1672]

Ok, so what Im understanding is the least expensive repair for what I might have is
1. Repalce governor pressure transducer
2. Replace solenoid ( which solenoid? is there a more specific name )
3. Replace TC clutch pack (is TC tourque converter?)
4. Replace OD clutch pack (is OD overdrive)

 

[RonaldLarson]

The Torque converter clutch cannot be replaced without cutting the converter open. TC's are not very pricey. When they distribute clutch material throughout the trans, the trouble starts. This is why a good aftermarket TC is neccessary. With your stated mileage, a good high performance overhaul will be a good investment. All the right parts in the right places. Don't be concerned with any one clutch or solenoid.

 

[cerberusiam]

Ok, so what Im understanding is the least expensive repair for what I might have is
1. Repalce governor pressure transducer
2. Replace solenoid ( which solenoid? is there a more specific name )
3. Replace TC clutch pack (is TC tourque converter?)
4. Replace OD clutch pack (is OD overdrive)

The least expensive thing you can do for the shifting is the transducer and governor pressure solenoid. There is only on gov pressure solenoid, the others are for lockup and OD.

The TC will need replaced or rebuilt, takes a machine shop with knowledge to do it.

If you pull the OD (over drive) unit to bebuild the OD clutches then you need to bebuild the OD direct clutch pack also. Then, putting it back together it will likely require shimming different than stock, take knowledge and parts to do that right as it is not a bolt on application.

With those miles on that transmission it will likely require some hard parts replacement with a rebuild. Depends on what you want to do and can afford to address the issue.

The gov solenid and transducer is around $100. The TC can be rebuilt with a billet cover, lower stall heavier sprag, new clutch lining and updates for around $600. That MAY solve your problem but without solid diagnostics and pressure tests there is now to say for sure. Both the parts and the TC rebuild can be had locally, Forest Park Ga.

A solid rebuilt transmission with some updates is around $4000. You can get that locally in Griffin Ga as a carry out or truck drop off.

You can call me or PM me directly if you want any more info on sources.

 

[wyatt1672]

Thanks everyone. Im not sure if Im more educated or more confused (haha). I have a better point to start from and understand better when i go to the mechanic. I can still drive the truck so Im npt sure how soon it will be repaired.