Hey everyone,

94 3.9 RWD automatic. I had the transmission rebuilt 5 years ago, about 20-25k miles on it. I think this is a transmission issue but I suppose it could be something else.

It has gotten cooler down here in Florida and the truck has been running a bit lousy. Last night on the way home, I noticed it was kind of slow to get off the line. I went out to test again today and what it actually seems like is that it's a very slow (sometimes not at all) shift up from 2nd to 3rd. The RPMs can run all the way up to 4k which I don't recall ever happening on this truck for the 10 years I've had it. I figured this out by dropping the truck into 1st (feels strong), then shifting up to 2nd and then drive. Once in drive, I don't feel it shift up unless I keep flurrying my throttle. Seems to go from 3rd to 4th with no problem once it gets there.

I did a search before making this post, both on these forums and elsewhere, and have seen all sorts of suggestions including the cat. I'm going to start with the transmission, change the fluid, and consider adjusting the bands while I'm there. I don't know anything about adjusting the bands and am wary of doing it, but there is a really good youtube video that shows the adjustment on the 42/46 re/rh so I'll use that as reference. If anyone has any opinions or personal insight on my issue before I dig into this, I'd appreciate it.

 

Three pieces of advice on band adjustment.

1. Do as you’re doing and watch You Tube videos. But there is more than one. Watch a few of them.
2. Get yourself a quality torque wrench in inch-pounds. That eliminates Harbor Freight. Get a reliable one
3. I forget the exact size, but get yourself a 12-point socket set that includes 32nds. Some, if not all, of those trannies have 4-point adjustment bolt heads. So you need either a 4, 8, or 12 point socket. Don’t hold me to it but I think at least one of the adjustment bolt heads accepts an 11/32nds. Not certain if both do but that’s why you get a set that gives you the 32nds. Don’t waste your time with 6-point sockets unless your tranny bands have hex heads.


No need to be afraid of adjusting the bands. Just be sure you have the proper torque specs and the proper tools. Go to the sticky section and look up torque specs in the field service manual.

 

I would check the fluid level first, Are you downshifting okay? I would also see if the kick down lever or cable needs an adjustment before adjusting any bands. Let know before you try to adjust the bands. I have a different way and I have posted on the forum before. I retired last year as a Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Fiat transmission tech of 35 years.