transmission shudder at lockup

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I have experienced a shudder problem at light throttle pressure just as trans shifts into overdrive & lockup. The problem has been there since new but is getting worse. the transmission was just rebuilt & suncoast conv & shift kit installed. problem occurs at speeds of 47 to 65 mph. Shudder goes away under hard throttle. truck has 62000 miles. 1996 4x4 dually, 3. 5 gears. has anyone had a simular problem? any help would be appreciated. THANKS

 

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Sam,
It is our policy at DTT not to sell a tc to someone with a shuddering problem unless we first verify the following. I find 90%of the calls i get on tc shudder are oil related or rpm related.

Sam please try this first, what type of oil was used in your transmission?

Most shops tend to use bulk oil and its generally Dexron 111, this oil will cause a shudder in the Chrylser transmission.

Chrysler is aware of Dexron causing TC shudder and has a section in their shop manual warning against this very thing.

If they put in Dexron and the shudder is oil related , put in a couple of bottles of Red Lubeguard into the transmission oil.

They come in a 10oz bottle and usually costs about 15. 00 each, add one bottle and try it before adding the second one.

It generally takes about 100 miles or so before it starts to take effect.

RPM related shuddering can be described to driving a standard in 5th gear when you need to be in 3rd gear. The only thing you can do there is kick it out of od. I generally do not recommend that anyone with a 3. 54 gear ratio drive in od below 50mph, try to keep your rpms above 1500 empty, 1700rpms loaded.

Bill Kondolay
Diesel Transmission Technology

[This message has been edited by Bill Kondolay (edited 01-09-2001). ]

 

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Bill--thanks for the reply. i checked with the transmission shop & it was dexron III that was put in. I have lube gard so will try a bottle. do I need to remove some fluid so it isn't overfilled? the trans wasn't rebuilt because of shudder problem but because of motor upgrade I decided to use a low stall tc. at a recent TDR seminar in Portland Oregon the Chrysler people said the trans could be kept in overdrive during non loaded conditions. I had 2 of this same truck in my shop recently & on test drive 1 did the shudder and the other was smooth as glass. The portland dealer says the motor has a miss that is causing the problem. it runs great--lots of power--DR PERFORMANCE PH 111--only has problem at 1250-1750 rpm with very light throttle on flat road or slight grade, continuous shudder occurs during this range. push on the throttle the problem goes away. I Would like to talk to you on the phone if possible. heres my e-mail address if you dont't want to post your phone number. i really appreciate the effort. cedarridgeent@aol.com also what is the best time to call? THANKS SAM