Transmission Problem

[cullen]

I recently added a 99' 2500 QCLB 4x4 AT to my collection of Cummins powered Dodge trucks. 216 thousand miles and it runs great, but the trans started leaking last week. I kept topping it off every couple days, and it was fine until Friday when I suddenly must have lost a lot of ATF somewhere in my short travels in my area. The trans started shifting weird. It was revving up to 2500ish before shifting into 2nd or 3rd, but sometimes shifting normally. Intermittent problem. When this started, I pulled over to check the trans fluid and it barely registered on the dip stick. I filled it back up with about a quart or so of fluid till it read in the middle. Now the trans fluid smells good and burnt. I took it to a local mechanic and had him pull it, replace the input shaft/front pump seal to stop the leak, and change filter and fluid. I got it back today and it is still intermittently shifting weird as mentioned above. I just parked it for the day and it has started to leak again from somewhere but not as bad as before...What should I do? Start looking for a rebuild?

 

[Bob4x4]

At over 200k miles without having any history on the trans I would not do an expensive repair.Time for a build.

 

[cullen]

I agree...

 

[Joe Mc]

Although there’s 200k on, as far as you know, a never rebuilt trans and the fluid smells burnt it’s likely time for a rebuilt. That said, your shifting issues could be electronic and relate to the solenoid and transducer, or even a loose / dirty connection at the main plug going into the top of the case-to-valve body. Trans Star (Parts Supplier) was recommended to me by my trans builder (DTT rebuilt circa 2003 by Tim Barber out of VA Beach, TRE Performance really good guy) when I was having shifting problems and the solenoid/transducers I was getting from local parts houses continued to fail. Trans Star sells high quality parts. Check all external connections to be sure there aren’t any bent pins, loose wires to the plug spades, or even failed insulation on wires and always grounds. When you are ready for rebuild I highly recommend “not” taking it to a local trans shop only because they typically just replace what they feel is bad/needs to be replaced. Take it to a specific vendor who deals with these type trans’ such as: DTT, Goerend, ATS, Suncoast, etc. there’s several others and be prepared for around $3500 - 4000 a good chunk of change but well worth the longevity you’ll get and piece of mind. 150k since mine was rebuilt. MHO + $0.02

 

[rotohead]

Here is another good source for better electrics for transmission's

http://www.electricaladvantage.net/

 

[cullen]

Thanks for the input fellas. I live in rural Northern New Mexico, so there are no reputable transmission shops/builders in this general area. I trailered the 5.9 over to Amarillo with the 6.7 on Thursday. 300 miles away. I have an associate that owns and operates an auto parts distribution company as well as a race track over there. He connected me with his transmission builder over there. New TC, seals, clutches, gaskets, electronics, etc. I told him I needed to get 100k more miles from this truck over the next 4 years, and he said he would do whatever was necessary to achieve this once he had a look inside. Sometimes you just gotta take it to the right people.