transmission Advice needed

[ray1933]

I'm looking for suggestions about any upgrades that may be considered a must for the transmission.



We plan to make some longer trips this summer with the 5th wheel which we



purchased late last year and have only made three short trips so far.



I was thinking about the extra deep pan from Genos and no I do not have any gauges other than what came on the truck.



I know over the years I have read about beefed up trannies and such.



We hauled a 10 ft camper for 35 years ,, the 5th wheel with the 12 foot slide sure beats the heck out of the old camper.

 

[BGlidewell]

i have the extra deep pan. I really think it is over kill but I like over kill. A new return hose with a 1/4" connector for a temperature sender would be a great addition. The clamp-on type are ok but they do not measure spikes in temperature like a sender that is in the flow of oil.

 

[cerberusiam]

What is your gross weight going to be with the camper?



How many miles on the truck?



How does it fell shifting and performing now?

 

[BDaugherty]

A decent trans temp gauge is a must. The deep pans are great for added capacity, a little extra cooling, and easier services. I don't know how much power you'll be pushing through it or how heavy you will be pulling, but the most important thing you can do is have a restrained right foot. The

"trans command" type modules can help by locking the torque converter in 2nd or 3rd as well as O/D. If you use it hard, be sure to shorten your service intervals.



Honestly, I would add the deep pan and a gauge and then take it for a ride. Your gauge will tell you most of what you need to know. Upgrades such as HD torque coverters and upgrades valve bodies are really not for everybody. A conservative foot is your best upgrade.

 

[Moose Truck]

If the transmission is behaving OK now, then I'd have a GOOD Diesel transmission Shop road test it. If it's OK, then have them, put in a Diesel Torque Converter, and Modify your Valve Body. If not then get a DTT, Suncoast, Goerends, or a HT Hawk transmission. If you are going to tow a heavy trailer, you should have them Mod your VB to include a 2nd gear lock up. You have them put in at least a "Mystery" switch to let you lock the TC when you need it, for cruising and for decelerating down a hill. You maybe getting a Exhaust Brake in your future. You can get an aux transmission controller such as BD's Tow LOC, to do the Mystery Switch and Exhaust brake control thing. Just my 2 cents, Moose

 

[BillGotthelf]

Extra deep oil pan, Temp sensor, aux trans cooler, valve body set for towing. That should do you fine. Make sure you use synthetic trany fluid.

 

[ray1933]

I want to thank all of you that replied and I have the extra deep pan and filter coming from Geno's. Will be put on next week and will make a short trip with a lot off long grades to see how she does.





I plan to start there and see how that works out. We have a good transmission shop here and he works on most of the Dodge trannies rather than the dealer.



On a side note I just put on new Toyo tires all around as

the old ones were starting to weather check on the sidewall real bad and so after 60,000 plus I guess they needed replacing.

 

[amsoilman]

If you install the Amsoil ATF+4, you can lower the temp by 20-30 Deg. F.

 

[ray1933]

amsoilman, Our transmission shop has amsoil products and I would assume he has the ATF but will ask to make sure. I left a message with the local Amsoil dealer to see if he has it.

 

[JLandry]

Ray,



Just so you know...



Any ATF+4 produced under license from Chrysler is fully synthetic, even the cheap "house" brand sold by Wal-Mart!



Chrysler ATF+4® Information Center



Notice who's expensive "universal" ATF isn't licensed by Chrysler. Hmmmmm...



Save your money!



John L.

 

[KLauber]

How?

If you install the Amsoil ATF+4, you can lower the temp by 20-30 Deg. F.

Exactly how does the fluid lower the trans temp by 20-30 deg? Curious but skeptical...



Ken

 

[amsoilman]

Exactly how does the fluid lower the trans temp by 20-30 deg? Curious but skeptical...



Ken

It has to do with the molecular structure of the oil. Basically the molecules are of the same size and shape in the total product, so the temperatures effect all molecules basically the same. The internal friction of the fluid is also reduced due to this, and the friction between the moving parts is also reduced, which reduces temperatures as well, simply by reducing the friction.



I have seen several vehicles with temp gauges on the transmissions, and after installing the fluid, the temps have dropped.



Here are the specs. for this fluid:



Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445) 7. 6

Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445) 38. 9

Viscosity Index (ASTM D-2270) 168

Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D-92) 234 (453)

Pour Point °C (°F) (ASTM D-97) -53 (-63)

FZG Load Stage Pass (ASTM D-5182) 12

Four Ball Wear Test, Scar in mm; 40 kg, 75°C, 1200 rpm, 1 hr

(ASTM D-4172B) 0. 41

Brookfield Viscosity @ -40°C, cP (ASTM D-2983) 9800

 

[AWise]

Concerned

So I just put AmsOil ATF in my transmission this past weekend. I have heard a lot of good things about it and in researching the only real negative I have heard about it was the cost. After reading through the last few posts I decided to check out the website mentioned above regarding the approved ATF+4 brands. I sent a request about AmsOil Universal ATF and here is the response I got back:

"Thank you for your contact. Amsoil Universal ATF is not an approved or
licensed product. It has been tested and it does not meet the
specifications. It is not recommended for use in Chrysler
transmissions.

ATF+4(r) is a unique formulation that has been designed specifically to
meet the exacting requirements of Chrysler transmissions. The fluid has
gone through an extensive developmental and testing process, including
more than one million miles of severe field testing. It is a high
performance, synthetic fluid that provides significant reduction in
component wear, superior temperature performance, consistent shift
quality, and exceptional friction modifying properties.

Only licensed ATF+4(r) products (with "ATF+4(r)" as part of the brand
name and a valid license number on the back of the label) contain the
unique formulation. Other products that claim to be 'as good as' or
'suitable for' have not gone through Chrysler's rigorous testing process
and are not recommended for use in Chrysler transmissions.

Thank you for your interest in properly caring for your Chrysler
vehicle. I hope this provides you with the information you need. If
you have any questions, please contact me. "

I am concerned that the AmsOil Universal ATF was tested and failed to meet the specifications for ATF+4. I would think that if it was a far superior fluid it would meet the minimum specs to pass ATF+4, I wonder what exactly caused it to fail the ceritification?

 

[NavyDood]

Of course Chyrsler is going to say that. They do not get any kick back from Amsoil since it isn't licensed through them.

All Amsoil did with their Universal Transmission fluid was add an additive to the existing fluid to work with the friction clutches inside the transmission. I wouldn't be surprised if all they did was add some kind of friction modifier.

The material that the friction clutches are made of in Chrysler transmissions requiring ATF+4 is the only reason ATF+4 fluid or a compatible fluid like the Amsoil Universal ATF needs to be used. If you fully rebuild the 48re, depending on what friction clutch kit you use, ATF+4 does not need to be used anymore.

 

[AWise]

Of course Chyrsler is going to say that. They do not get any kick back from Amsoil since it isn't licensed through them.

I dont buy that. I'm sure licensing/certification fees are minimal in the grand scheme of things. What does Chrysler gain by denying a viable product the rights to use their cerrtification? On the other hand, if they approve an oil simply to get the "kick back" and it causes transmission failures Chrysler stands to lose a lot. I would assume that AmsOil submitted it for testing otherwise Chrysler would just say it has not been tested and therefore is has not been approved. Instead they state clearly that it failed to meet their specifications. I would think it would be in AmsOils interests to obtain the OEM certification/approval, it really couldn't hurt, unless it would take a major investment to reformulate it to meet the specs. In fact I think it would help sell the product if someone is concerned about maintaining their warranty.

Like I said before, based on everything I have read it appears that their ATF is a great product and I am using it in both my truck and my wifes Durango. I just have to ask the question that if obtaining the certification is a trivial thing that can only help sell the product, why hasn't it been certified.

 

[amsoilman]

So I just put AmsOil ATF in my transmission this past weekend. I have heard a lot of good things about it and in researching the only real negative I have heard about it was the cost. After reading through the last few posts I decided to check out the website mentioned above regarding the approved ATF+4 brands. I sent a request about AmsOil Universal ATF and here is the response I got back:



"Thank you for your contact. Amsoil Universal ATF is not an approved or

licensed product. It has been tested and it does not meet the

specifications. It is not recommended for use in Chrysler

transmissions.



ATF+4(r) is a unique formulation that has been designed specifically to

meet the exacting requirements of Chrysler transmissions. The fluid has

gone through an extensive developmental and testing process, including

more than one million miles of severe field testing. It is a high

performance, synthetic fluid that provides significant reduction in

component wear, superior temperature performance, consistent shift

quality, and exceptional friction modifying properties.



Only licensed ATF+4(r) products (with "ATF+4(r)" as part of the brand

name and a valid license number on the back of the label) contain the

unique formulation. Other products that claim to be 'as good as' or

'suitable for' have not gone through Chrysler's rigorous testing process

and are not recommended for use in Chrysler transmissions.



Thank you for your interest in properly caring for your Chrysler

vehicle. I hope this provides you with the information you need. If

you have any questions, please contact me. "



I am concerned that the AmsOil Universal ATF was tested and failed to meet the specifications for ATF+4. I would think that if it was a far superior fluid it would meet the minimum specs to pass ATF+4, I wonder what exactly caused it to fail the ceritification?

I would like to know where you got this information. I just got off the phone with the "director of drive train fluids", AMSOIL Inc. He told me the ATF Fuid is NOT REQUIRED to be licensed. He also said the ATF from Amsoil certainly does meet the "Chrysler" ATF+4 Spec. and has done for several years.



Wayne

 

[AWise]

I used the "contact us" form located on the website below and they emailed that information to me.



Chrysler LLC ATF+4® Info Center