transmission Changes?

[ralphr]

My 1999 3500 auto transmission is approaching 30K miles and I am thinking I shiould change the transmission fluid and install new filter. Prehaps I should also check the front and rear band adjustments???

I am looking for input, suggestions etc from those of you how have done this. I probably should use a synthetic fluid prehaps amsoil? How should I insure that I get all the old stuff out? Thought of disconecting a cooler line and blowing into it with compressed air? Band adjustments (44 inch pounds?? assume 12 inch puonds equal 1 foot pound?) loosen nut, retight to the 44 inch pounds then back off? Anything else? I am hoping you guys can help me avoid pitfalls etc. thanks in advance!!!!

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[Sled Puller]

The least expensive thing you can do to extend your auto transmission life is to switch to the Amsoil.
Band adjustment? You got me, I'm a 5 spd man!
Gene

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1997 Cummins Dodge 4x4 Bombed & Amsoiled. Amsoil Premiere Direct Jobber, Member of: NRA Business Alliance, GLTDR, WANTED: Wrecked Dodges.
www.awdist.com

 

[Fred Swanson]

I would just change the fluid and filter. With just the pan dropped, you'll need about 6 quarts. I wouldn't blow air in the cooler lines, just disconnect them and let the fluid from the lines drain out.

The band adjustment taken from DTT's literature:

Torque to 72 in. lbs. , back it out 2 turns, then tighten the lock nut.

Any fluid that meets Chrysler specs should be sufficient. Amsoil is an expensive option, unless you have the need for it.

Fred




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Fred Swanson
Co-Owner
Canyon State Components, LLC
'00 QC,SB,4x4,Auto,3. 54 w/LSD,Trailer Package, Tow Package, DTT's VB & TC

 

[danandamy]

Originally posted by ralphr:
My 1999 3500 auto transmission is approaching 30K miles and I am thinking I shiould change the transmission fluid and install new filter.....

If you do any significant pulling, you're running about 15,000 miles late on the fluid and filter change. Just my opinion.

Daniel

 

[Motorhead]

I have done a few services on these automatics. I raise the front end up as high as is SAFE and leave it set atleast overnight or more. This seems to let the torque converter drain out some more fluid. As I recall, I was able to get 8 to 9 quarts out. Personally, I buy the fluid and the filter from DC. I don't really like giveing them my $ but I figure that I'm getting the right grade of filters and oil. Chris

 

[ralphr]

Yea, I know I am a little late in doing the change, have not had the time until now! I thought DC's new AT fluid was semi synthetic?? at almost the cost of amsoil???? Fropm all that I read, I think the amsoil route is the way to go, anybody got more info on an alternative?

Thanks for the tips suggestions, I guess it is really pretty straight forward, (well I'll find out!!). Also, one last one, is 12 inch puonds equal to 1 foot puond?? 72 inch puonds ought to be 6 foot puonds right???? thasnks again... .

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[kaffine krazed]

Yep 12 inch pounds = 1 foot pound.

 

[Tagalong]

Folks, does the Ram auto torque converter have an accessible drain plug? If so, that would allow you to drain the fluid completely. I'm new to the Ram (see Sig. ) so I have not looked to see if there is a TC pan
that will allow access to a TC drain... if there is one!

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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54,QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[T.Fogie]

Now if it was me... I would dig outmy service manual. But just in case you can't find the correct page #21-340... ... . The front band adjustment for the 47RE is 72 inch pounds, then back the screw off 1 7/8 turn. The lock nut should be torqued to 30 ft lbs... ... The rear band adjustment would be 72 inch pounds, then back off the adjusting screw 3 turns. On this one the lock nut needs to be torqued to 25 ft lbs.

Torque the pan bolts to 13 ft lbs.

Love my manual

 

[Motorhead]

Unfortunately DC doesn't put a drain plug on their torque converter. #ad
MBZ,yes FORD,yes. CHEVY,no. What a stupid move not to put a drain plug on a converter(IMO). #ad

 

[ralphr]

I understand you can drain most of the TC by disconecting the coller line and run the engine while pouring new fluid in until it comes out clean. Sounds like an option, although no one has said why it was a bad idea to blow air thru the cooler lines to flush??!!

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[tmacc]

Are there any other mfr. of filters that you guys can recommend other that DC? Also, should the trans pan gasket be replaced.
Thanks. I've got 12k on the truck so I'll be changing it soon.

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'01 2500 4x4 4. 10 White/Driftwood QC plain SLT auto trans snow prep camper package tow package bed liner mopar mud flaps Reading Ind. 33" tall contractors cap. Toys: 3 mountain bikes, a cyclo-cross bike, and a road bike, plus a couple of whitewater kayaks. Yeah, I know their human powered, but the bikes are fun to modify too. Like spending $$$ to make trucks more powerful, It takes $$ to make bikes lighter. Titanium isn't cheap.

 

[danandamy]

You can get a filter kit from NAPA, it comes with the gasket and is very inexpensive.

Daniel

 

[ralphr]

got my filter kit thrru Geno's. it includes a gasket, and I got it 2 days after I order on line!

I may sound like a commercial for Geno's but I don't think you can beat them with their service and quick turn arounds on orders. Prices are real competative also!

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[Mopar-muscle]

you can drain most of the TC oil by disconnecting the trans cooler line from the transmission closest to the engine , once you pull it the fluid will drain in the convertor to that level , if you put the front on ramps it should drain lower .

i replaced my TC with one from DTT , it has a drain plug , well worth the money , plus it puts the power to the ground much better .