Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission "shudder'

[Mentzer]

2002 Ram 2500 Cummins quad cab 4x4 auto transmission. I installed a Banks Power Pack in august of 2010 and have noticed a "shudder" which seems to be associated to the transmission? I only notice it when slowly accelerating in the 35 to 45/50mph range. If I "get on it" it is not noticeable... only in a gradual acceleration. The increase in torque and HP from the Banks causing some slippage in transmission? Any other ideas? If so rebuild or aftermarket transmission?

 

[JLandry]

How many miles on the transmission?

Is it safe to assume the fluid level is correct, you've been changing it regularly, and adjusting the bands?

Any trouble codes stored in the PCM?

At that speed it sounds like possibly the torque convertor clutch could be slipping. When you increase power the increased line pressure might cause the clutches to hold tighter or the slip is just increasing to the point you're not feeling it as much.

If you've got a bunch of miles on it, yes, it's probably time for a complete rebuild or a swap with a heavy duty transmission from Goerend, DTT, ATS, BD, etc.

Good luck,

John L.

 

[Mentzer]

176,000 miles on transmission. Fluid and bands changed/adjusted every 30,000 miles. Not sure about codes stored in PCM.

 

[cerberusiam]

With that many miles its quite likely the TC has worn enough to get out of balance. The change in the TQ curve has probably made it more noticeable under certain curcumstances.

 

[Mentzer]

Any brand of aftermarket transmissions better than other?

 

[JLandry]

Any brand of aftermarket transmissions better than other?

That's a dangerous question akin to asking someone which is the best brand of motor oil.

Both Goerend Transmission in St. Lucas, IA and DTT (Diesel Transmission Technology) in BC, Canada have an almost universal reputation for very high quality products with tremendous customer service and warranties to back it up. You'll be hard pressed to find complaints about either.

Based on everything I've read about them and my interactions with them so far, I'm pretty partial to Goerend Transmission. In fact, I have one of their heavy-duty 47RE transmissions on order right now complete with a triple-disk torque convertor, billet input shaft, and laminated flex plate. The torque convertor has a lifetime unlimited mileage warranty and the rest of the transmission has a 3 year, 150,000 mile warranty. This will be replacing my stock 47RE that's starting to get tired from towing my travel trailer up and down steep mountain passes. It's a "proactive" move before I have a major problem out in the middle of nowhere.

Regards,

John L.

 

[Mentzer]

Thanks JLandry,

First off I am going to have the computer diagnosed i. e. the PCM. If thats not the case then I am looking into Goerend. Goerend seems to be one of the more reliable shops out there. Thanks for the info.

Drew Mentzer

 

[Regcabguy]

Go with an authorized installer within a reasonable drive. In the unlikely event of an issue,they are close by.

 

[JTruelove]

I had to replace mine not to long after I installed my Banks kit. I am partial to DTT, but have heard good things about Goerand too. Dont forget about fuel pump. AirDog for me.

 

[JLandry]

Go with an authorized installer within a reasonable drive. In the unlikely event of an issue,they are close by.

I was tempted to do the installation myself, but my wife told me: "If you're spending THAT much money for a transmission you might as well pay a few hundred more and let someone else crawl around under your truck!" What a sweet girl. I just hate letting someone else touch my baby (the truck).



While they don't have "authorized" shops per se, Goerend did point me to a local respected installer which they've successfully worked with in the past. According to the shop and confirmed by Goerend, this particular shop has installed 7 or 8 of their transmissions already. And according to Goerend, this shop followed their instructions after the installation which includes taking various pressure readings and calling Goerend with the results. They told me they've encountered some installers who think they know everything, refuse to take the pressure readings, and won't make the required telephone call back to Goerend. Obviously those shops DON'T get on recommended installer list.



Regards,



John L.