I’m posting this to see if anyone else had this problem. Here is my info:
Purchase new a 5.9 V8 Durango, towing package and the heavier rear axle. I have been doing all of my own service work with fluid and filter changes. On first oil change switched to Mobil 1 10/30 synthetic and have been using it ever since. All other fluids were replaced with synthetics as well. It was not easy getting ATF4 in 2002. My truck now has 178K and is experiencing a loud engine, as if it was choked up, and hard shifting of the trans from first and second gear but then when overdrive kicks it drives normally. My original trans lasted until 121K and was rebuilt. The rebuilt was shot by 160K and was rebuilt another time. I was thinking that the rear brakes might be sticking or the differential might be causing the trans problem. Has anyone seen theses problems? My rear axle fluid is changed every 50K with the Mobil 1 synthetic and I have not seen any shavings in the fluid. I also removed the drum rotors and inspected the brakes and they are slightly worn but nothing jumped out at me as a problem. The drums slipped on with no problem. Oh yeah I also tow 4000lb about every other weekend during the spring, summer, and fall months. Any suggestions?

 

Maybe a torque converter going out?

 

Replaced torque converter at 140K, the last time the trans was rebuilt.

 

I would still lean to the converter, sounds like the problems are occuring till it locks in OD no?

Converters are a hard thing to get right, if you dont buy OE it had better be from a GOOD company. Cheap converted are just that, cheap.
Sucks to have a $300.00 converter destroy a new trans.


dan

 

It could be the torque converter. Because the engine RPMS reach between 3 to 4K before it shifts to the next gear. Never had it go to 4K even when towing up steep inclinesDoes anyone know of a manufacturer of a good reliable and heavy duty torque converter?

 

I'm sure Hydra does, and I was thinking TC as well, hopefully not but it does have that ring to it...