I have a 1993 Dodge Dakota LE 4 x 4 and was just told that my transmission and transfer case both bad and it will cost 3,500 to fix. This would be my second time fixing this issue last time it was 3 years ago. It has 113807 miles on it. Any feed back would be appreciated!

 

You won't get hardly anything for it broken.

But it's up to you.

Does it have sentimental value for you? Or what would the note be on the replacement vehicle? Those weigh into the "fix or sell" (actually, depending on the shape of the rest of it, fix or scrap) decision.

RwP

 

Both need replaced a second time with only 113K miles?? What do you use the truck for?

 

Normal use really the first time was a rebuilt transmission as well as the transfer case. I am not 100% sure that it is necessary to replace again. Honestly I am going by what the second transmission place told me and maybe it an exaggeration on their part because they just wanted to slap an new one in.
So here is what's going on I took it to my regular mechanic and he had it for a month to fix an issue with the torque converter the day I got it back it was leaking a lot of transmission fluid (almost all of the transmission fluid has leaked out.) it wasn't leaking before I sent it to him. (There were other issues that made me want to take it to another shop and not put trust in the mechanic I usually go to, plus I was pretty pissed off.) I can do minor work on the truck and engine but transmission work is beyond my skill level. I love this truck and for the most part it is very reliable but finances are tight and don't want to keep pouring money in if it is going to be a money pit if you know what I mean.

Thanks for your responses and any advise.

 

Rebuilding the transmission and the transfer case yourself isn't really that hard.

Watch the TransmissionBench.NET videos for the 46RE on YouTube (free) or order them (about $50 IIRC) from TransmissionBench.NET first.

You may easily decide to order a core from car-part.com, then rebuild it yourself, then swap them.

Which is what I'd be doing if I had a garage; my rear bushing is shot so she leaks like a sieve.

RwP

 

Think I would get a third opinion........

Can you tell where the trans is leaking from? Might be an easy fix.... What did the previous guy do to fix the TC issues?

 

He first tried to rebuild the TC then when that didn't work he ordered another one and installed it. It seems to be leaking from the front (or bell area *not sure if that is the right terminology*) I also had to replace the Neutral safety switch as well but it started normally once a changed it but then it started doing that same thing not starting unless I had it neutral. I could be that I didn't get it all the way on there too.. (it is very tight fit and tough to get on.) I'll take photo's and post them. Funny thing is that it ran fine despite the leak I just didn't want to damage the tranny by driving while there is a bad leak. (I only drove it once so hopefully there isn't damage from that drive.) I really appreciate you taking the time and giving me advise.

 

I do not have a garage set up for transmission work at all and would all have to be done outside and with sensitive work with transmission IDK if that would be advisable.

 

Neutral safety switch might just be a linkage adjustment. The bushings are notorious for dying out, and disintegrating.....

Rebuild the torque converter? That's a pretty serious undertaking, and I don't know of ANY garage around here that would even consider it. They just replace them. I wouldn't even know where to try and find internal parts for 'em.....

If you had a garage do the work, isn't there some warranty left on it? I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't trans the front seal when he was putting the t/c back in place.... or, didn't lube it before installing the converter...... they burn up right quick when dry.

 

Yeah I thought it was odd and when it failed I asked him why didn't he just tell me and I would have paid for the new TC... It's not like they are very much it is more for the labor to install it. As for the warranty for the TC it should be replicable but as for the rebuilt transmission it only had a 3 year warranty on it and the work was originally done in 2019.... The mechanic who did the work was acting weird and I've know him for years! He stopped taking credit ( cash only now ) and his shop looks like a tornado hit it. Other wise I'd take it back to him. Folks have been telling me to take it to AAMCO so i guess I can take it to them for a third opinion.