I have been reading a lot of posts about Dakotas having tranny issues. I currently drive a 2000 Dakota 4x2, auto, 3.9 liter, about 160k's. It is having difficulty shifting from 3rd-4th gear, and often revs at 3000 or more RPM's. It will then change or not at all. Warm or cold weather doesn't really matter. Could it be some type of solenoid issue, or suggest a rebuild? Thanks!

 

try to do a tranny flush and replace the fluid....if it still does it....might be time for a rebuild

 

I've done some research, and I'm hoping maybe just a flush or other smaller item repair. I can't really afford the rebuild option. I'm having a problem with a coolant leak as well as the sway bar, so thinking it might just be time to move on

 

I'd appreciate some other ideas if any car enthusiasts have any? I've read that the Dodge trans aren't too reliable at all. Any thoughts on rebuilt Dodge Trannies? Am I still going to get poor quality from it in the long run?

 

heavy duty torque converter, remove the one way check valve in the cooling system for the tranny, stronger internals, mopar ATF, and an auxillary cooler tied within the factory cooler. mine still runs like she was when rebuilt at 60K miles.

 

If you go with a REPUTABLE place to rebuild your trans with QUALITY aftermarket parts, or buy a new/rebuilt transmission from a REPUTABLE company that puts QUALITY aftermarket parts in it, you should be good.
If you do end up getting another transmission, make sure you get a brand new torque converter. Also flush out the lines and install an auxiliary cooler.
Also, if you go rebuilt route, make sure you get new solenoids/electronics/etc in the transmission. Skimping out on something as much as a pain in the *** to change as a transmission is dumb. I've changed mine by myself. It's a pain!!

 

http://www.apsprecision.com/menu.html


everything you need.

 

The tranny in my 3.9 $hit the bed at 130k, I went to a well known tranny shop around my area and they put a rebuilt tranny in there for $1400. If you get a normal rebuilt tranny it will outlast the rest of the vehicle at 160k. I don't think you need to go all out and get a heavy duty one. At 160k its not worth it if its a lot more expensive. Mine shifted very smooth the rest of the time I owned that truck.