So what exactly is the spec for the front band adjustment? Most agree torque to 72 in/lbs then back of set number of turns. I read conflicitng data for what the set number of turns should be. The page most people point to here http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmi...T_band_adj.htm
does not list a 44re in 1998, but does list one in 2000. I found a post on another forum http://www.dakota-duranggo.com/forum...ad.php?t=82080 that specifies 2 1/4 turns off. Which is it?

 

This is out of the 1998 Durango Service Manual on Transmission Band Adjustment.



FRONT BAND ADJUSTMENT
The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw is
located on the left side of the transmission case
above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut (Fig. 250).
Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting
screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw
threads if necessary.
(3) Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in.
lbs.) torque with Inch Pound Torque Wrench
C-3380-A, a 3-in. extension and 5/16 socket.

CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 is needed to reach the
adjusting screw (Fig. 251), tighten the screw to only
5 N·m (47-50 in. lbs.) torque.

42RE TRANSMISSION
² Back off front band adjusting screw 3-5/8 turns.
² Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten locknut
to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.

44RE TRANSMISSION
² Back off front band adjusting screw 2-1/4 turns.
² Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten locknut
to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Lower vehicle.


REAR BAND ADJUSTMENT
The transmission oil pan must be removed for
access to the rear band adjusting screw.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove transmission oil pan and drain fluid.
(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns-
(Fig. 252). Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in
lever.
(4) Tighten adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs.)
torque.

42/44RE TRANSMISSION
² Back off adjusting screw 4 turns.
² Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten locknut
to 34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan
on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N·m (13 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(6) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with
Mopart ATF Plus 3, Type 7176 fluid.


I do find it funny about the miss conceptions though? Maybe this one http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmi...T_band_adj.htm is more detailed but unsure. You can try to PM master tech.

 

Thanks Hydra. 2 1/4 turns agrees with what I saw on dakota forum. I did it last night and went with 2 turns figuring split the difference (had at least 2 1/4 beers in me at the time too).

What's the danger if that last 1/4 turn is too tight? What will I notice driveability wise to suggest it's too tight? Slow 1-2 shift etc.

 

Well the bands might be a tight or slow up or down shift between 2-3 gears but unsure to tell you fully. Did you install the pan yet?

 

Yup it's all back together. Shifts nice and smooth. I can't imagine that 1/4 turn is gonna do me in. The threads on that adjustment can't be super coarse so the vertical movement of that 1/4 turn is probably minimal. I guess if I really feel like adjusting it, at least it's on the outside so the pan can stay on.

 

I will agree with you!


Nice to see you got-r-done!