Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) I've had enough...the truck is going

[Hummin Cummins]

Joe, when the transmission shop did the t/c they put in the updated seals and other stuff that I dont know what it does. Would it be a waste of money to put in a *** or a *** valve body on that high mileage transmission? I will call on Tuesday and talk to them. That may let me keep the truck and save a pile of $ in the process. They said the clutches and bands looked real good. I'm sure he wouldn't lie cause that would be more money for him on a rebuild.



Just wondering if the updates are enough to hold the extra pressures from an aftermarket vb.

 

[Joe G.]

Yeah, an after market VB would make sense. You have good pressure, a new TC, and good clutches and bands. It sure sounds to me like you have trash in your VB. The only problem with the extra pressure might be the lip seal on the front clutch pack. The original stocker leaked too much. Even then it would work. If the trans shop was into it far euff to check the clutches they may have replaced the lip seal with a better one when they replaced the seals. Extra pressure means less slippage so even if everything is stock it would make it last longer.



If it was me I would clean the old VB first to make absolutely certain that is the problem, but I'm a real cheapo and don't spend any money until I'm forced.

 

[Hummin Cummins]

LOL

I'm just real scared of getting into that vb. I wouldn't even drop it to replace the solenoid. I had the dealer do it.



One of the seal I think he said was in the front drum? He said dodge cut the groove to deep and he put a different seal in. Is that the lip seal?



Heres what the invoice said:

Rear t-case output seal

Front pump seal

Front pump bushing

O-ring and gasket

Front clutch, lip seals and seal rings



R&R Transmission, seal front pump, install sub kit in front clutch drum, service and replace t/c



This is driving me nuts. I changed the fluid this morning and went for a ride. I could have sworn it tried to go into lockup but it felt like it only went halfway and the t/c clutch was slipping so I let off the loud pedal. I really think you may be right Joe.

 

[Joe G.]

Yep, that's the lip seal. It's inside the front drum and seals the piston that presses on the clutches. If it leaks too much the pressure on the front clutches is reduced so they are easier to slip. The new front pump bushing and lip seal help with pressure. If you look at the old lip seal and the new the difference is easy to see.



An aftermarket VB would certainly solve the trash problem. The reluctant TCC lock up may be caused by trash interfering with the lockup solenoid operation.



With all the stuff on the invoice it sounds like you have what amounts to a transmission rebuild. A new VB would make it drive better too. If you do any towing with an exhaust brake you will really like the ability to lock up in 2nd on steep grades.