Just got the truck last weekend for a project/ work truck. Boy did I get a project. After spending all last weekend sanding off the peeling paint I was going out today to purchase the primer and paint and at a stop light. I proceeded to hit the gas from a stopped position and I heard a smooth grinding noise and truck wouldn't go. I have read a few posts online and what I can gather is.

1. Trans filter
2. Flush trans fluid
3. check for leaks

After that I should be okay if its just low/old fluid.

What I am concerned about is if it needs a whole new transmission that even a used one at $600 that is 2/3rds the cost that I paid for the whole truck.
Is there anything else I can do to prevent a $600 spend. $500 insurance claim deductable for hitting a tree would be cheaper. lol No I am kidding I would rather fix it and use it because of a the 318 v8.
Specs: 1995 extended cab dakota. 4x2 automatic 318 V8.
Any other help would be good. Thanks

 

Barely made it home because slipping while driving 55mph on interstate. Went from slipping when accelerating from stop now slipping in gear driving. Got home 15 mile drive and checked fluid level and it was fresh red but smelt really burnt. Ungood! At least I got a few quotes for referb trans and found one for 600.

 

Have you checked the fluid? If it keeps grinding it could ruin the transmission and require a rebuilt or new/used transmission.

There's a 42RE transmission around here on craigslist around 140k miles for $300. You have the v8 so you need the 46RE.

 

Thanks for the info. Yes I checked the level and it was full. The guy who sold it to me had just had the trans serviced. So fresh fluid to cover up the problem.

 

Did you check the filter? maybe it's clogged. Maybe a bad computer trying to make it shift wrong? Maybe just needs to be rebuilt.

 

Fresh tranny service? If it was on its last legs it probably had all the gunk and solids removed that was making it work. Dodge is known for tranny situations, but such is life. When I buy an older truck I anticipate putting money in to it but then again I like the square look of the older trucks. Another way to look at it is what can you get for the cost of a tranny job and what else is wrong with the truck.

 

I love old square style trucks, like the 80-89 rangers.. 5 speed!

I sold my old ranger to some fat guy for 900 after putting new lifters, head/valve gaskets, trying to get rid of a ticking but I couldn't, I think it was an exhaust manifold leak.

I will buy another one if I see a good price

 

Okay. I am going to change the filter and add some more fluid. I will post my results. I am not completely useless when it comes to working on vehicles but if this doesn't work. How hard would it to be to rebuild the trans myself? I see at the parts store they have a rebuild kit. I would imagine I would want to replace the torque converter as well. What other parts not included in the rebuild kit would I need? What do you guys think???

 

Have you thought of going to auto wrecker? I am going to picknpull to get myself a tranny for my 95 318 also runs around $100 for tranny alone and another $50 for the other part. They have a website too for locations and info. Www.picknpull.com good luck. Mine leaks alot and slips a little. Lol

 

the software pack (clutch plates)is what needs to be replaced, seen it done on 'power block' TV show, don't think i would try it. if you could find a tranny tec that will do it at your house as a side job after you remove it might be an option? or remove it and take to tranny shop for rebuild?