Need some advice

[DKGross]

OK, let the discussions begin.



I am having trouble with my automatic transmission on my 1998 24 valve 4X4. It is a Quad Cab, Short bed. I pull a 22 foot boat (boat and trailer are under 6000 lbs) at least once a year to Lake Powell from Denver. Before the transmission problem was noticed I got 14. 8 per gallon round trip pulling the boat. I also got 20 running empty on the highway and around town I was getting about 15 to the gallon. This spring my dealer found a trans problem (I noticed it was not shifting correctly) even though it was still getting the 15 per gallon average. So first one of the solenoids was replaced and it still failed to lock up the torque converter. Then they replaced the torque converted and clutch plates and it was deemed “fixed” they also flashed the computer. Since then is lugs down when driving in any gear, towing or not, in town, on the road, etc. I did change to 285 tires about two weeks after the work was completed, it worked or should I say not worked as described. With the new tires on I took my boat to Lake Murray in Oklahoma and got an unbelievable 9. 4 to the gallon round trip. Also unloaded in town I am getting 10. 1 and on the highway unloaded I get 16. 3. The dealer says it is the tires and there is nothing they will do. I have extended Dodge warranty, so I would prefer to get it fixed through them. I have not done a Banks setup or anything else to it yet, but want to. And Banks (as do the others) say to get the trans figured out first.



Now what advice can any of you offer?



Thanks,



Dave Gross

 

[KatDiesel]

What rear end ratio do you have and what size were the "Stock" tires. Yes the tires are going to affect fuel milage some.



Do you know which reflash it was they hit you with? (should be a sticker under the hood).

 

[JohnB]

Don't forget to add whatever percentage of mileage lost on the odometer due to the tire size back into the total miles for the tank.

 

[DKGross]

The original tires were 245. Then I went to 265s and saw no difference in mileage (probably lucky). With the 285s I got the numbers you saw. I have talked to several people that know more about this than I do and they said 1 maybe 2 miles per gallon tops. Even that I might buy if the trans shifted as it once did.



The ratio is 3. 54



I could find three "flash" numbers

Two under the left front fender: 333037304J

56046355AE

Neither one had a date, but I suspect the first was done at the same time as this one below.



One under the lip on the right side of the firewall: 333037300J dated 11-19-98

 

[DKGross]

Now I have the tire diameters to add to the mix.



The original tires: 30. 5" in diameter

The replacement tires: 32. 8" in diameter



So all things being equal my drop in should have been: 13. 8



However, it is important to remember that I got the 14. 8 driving from Denver through Eisenhower Tunnel to Lake Powell, Utah and back to get the 14. 8. So, I was close to 10,000 feet at least twice on that trip. And the trip from Denver to Lake Murray in Oklahoma got 9. 4 and while it did go to and return from a lower altitude and the mileage was not that different each way.



So, I am frustrated.



The comments about the differences was taken into consideration.