02 Durango 5.9L, AWD, 150K

I hear a lot about transmission bands, but I know very little about trannies. How do I know if I need them adjusted?

I do have a few symptoms:

• Hard shift between gears.. even park to drive (not extreme but not as smooth as I would expect)
• A grinding noise as it enters into overdrive (30-50mph)

Also, has anyone had their oil (engine or tranny fluid) tested by a lab? Thinking about sending mine to Blackstone Labs

 

a couple of guys in the third gen dakota section have had their oil tested, and i believe at least one of them used blackstone,

the grinding noise is NOT a good sign, i would drop the pan, change the filter, fluid and adjust the bands.

make sure to use ATF +4 in the transmission and DO NOT GET A TRANS FLUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Is it pretty simple to adjust the bands or can I screw something up if I'm not careful? I have a service manual, but sometimes projects seem much easier than they truly are.


Also, I don't think I've every changed a tranny filter myself. Anything special there... drop the pan (create huge mess?), remove filter, replace filter, replace pan...? Do I need to replace a gasket?

 

you need to drop the pan, if you are unsure about it, or (as is your case) there is something funny going on, i would take it to a tranny shop and ask them to check it over while its opened up just to see if they can pick up on anything thats wrong.

 

You would need an inch pound torque wrench to adjust the bands and the adjustment screw is on the side of the tranny near the bottom. IIRC it is a flathead screw/stud with a lock nut on it.

 

Transmissions are not a force to be reconed with. If your not sure take it in to a GOOD mechanic.

 

Band adjustments are not hard. I just did mine with no problems. IIRC the front uses a #25 torx and the rear (inside the pan) was a regular hex head. If you have grinding noises etc. I would have it checked at a good shop though.

 

Thanks for the info.

Anyone in the Indianapolis area... who do you trust with your transmission?

 

We have at least one trusted source here from Indy. IndyDurango is his handle. Maybe you can drop him a PM asking his recommendations.

 

Here ya go: IndyDurango