Just finished rebuilding the 5.2 motor in my Durango. During the removal/reinstall of the motor I changed the front seal on my transmission (44RE) since I had easy access to it and the transmission was leaking about 1 quart a month. The seal actually looked in good shape but I replaced it anyways as I didn’t visually see any leaking from anywhere else. The leak was coming from between the inspection cover and bell housing. Anyhow, after getting everything put back together I took it for a spin. In my excitement to run the new engine I didn’t re-fill the transmission back to proper levels (I thought I did). About a quarter mile down the street it was surging and gears were slipping. Here’s my issues and questions

1) Pre and post rebuild – When I put the transmission in gear it takes a good 4 to 5 seconds before the truck will move. Giving gas or just idle power it doesn’t matter.
2) Post rebuild – 2 weeks later the leak is back. The same if not worse than before.
3) Post rebuild – The transmission feels really sluggish in lower gears. It takes longer than I remember to shift from first to second and second to third. Once I get to third the truck hauls a$$.

I’m looking for what others would do given the scenario.

- Take it to a transmission shop and see if they could figure it out?
- Take it to a transmission shop and have them rebuild or replace?
- Buy a monster transmission and replace it myself?

 

Are we to assume you properly topped off the fluid after the errant drive and still have issues?

 

Yes. Topped everything off. Drank a couple of beers, then topped it off again. To add, i also called a local transmission shop. By just what I told them over the phone they didnt think i would have damaged the transmission that much. Instead they suggested I might replace the governor pressure sensor. Said that could be the cause of the lack of power and the weak shifts. Not throwing any codes though.