Hey, I just bought a 1998 Dodge ram SLT with the 5.9 and Auto tranny. Is there any concerns about the 360 motor? Is there anything bad about the auto tranny, thanks in advance

 

Can you think of anything that I really should know about, or anything you wish you would have known about when you bought yours

 

'94 to '01 Ram's are known for failing auto trannies, but i think that it's a hit or miss problem. The 360 is a strong motor, but don't expect to get very good gas mileage with it. Other than that, there aren't any major problems, just routine seals and stuff like that will eventually wear out.

 

About the Auto tranny, is it something that just certian ones had the problem, or is it just that they need to be upkept more than usual, or do they just not last a really long time? I am just trying to get a better feel for what I got myself into. Thank you so much in advance

 

Also is it something that when you have it rebuild you can correct or strengthen?

 

Like I said, it's a hit or miss thing with the tranny. It should last a long time if you take care of it and don't work it too hard.
My '97 Ram 1500 4x4 had 150,000 on the original tranny and it was still going strong until I wrecked it.
The '98 Ram 1500 quad cab I have now has had the tranny replaced at about 25,000 miles, but I think that the previous owner towed a large boat with it on a regular basis.
If I ever plan on doing alot of towing with mine, I will first get a shift kit installed, along with a larger tranny pan and a tranny temp gauge. The shift kit should keep it from slipping between gears, which would reduce heat. THe tranny pan would allow more oil, which will keep it cooler. And the gauge would be there to monitor the oil temperature.

I'm sure you can get it rebuilt with to be stronger, but I'm not positive. I have read an article in 4 Wheel & Offroad about replacing the tranny in a Ram with one built by Jet Performance. I'm sure that if you contact them they can tell you more.

 

the tranny problem is mainly the 46re tranny.


Just look for the obvious signs of abuse and oil/fluid leakage

 

Is there a difference between the tranny in a 1500 and 2500? Is the 2500 prone to tranny problems also?

 

Don't use the O/D unless on the highway. The 4th speed overdrive tends to be a failure point in the truck.

I have a 98 and I don't use it unless I am cruising on the highway. The O/D wants to kick in at around 30 mph. With all of the shifting needed to keep the truck going, that puts a lot of shifting on the tranny.

I read a review several years ago on another site by someone who worked at the location where the Ram tranny's where built. He said that if you don't use the O/D you won't have any problems. I bought my 98 Ram new back in Oct of 97, and I have not had any transmission problems by sticking with that advice while driving around town or in hilly areas.

The truck is not an econo box, and forcing a transmission shift into 4th gear at 30 mph causes the tranny to work harder to keep the truck moving in city traffic.

Plus you get the constant power all through normal city driving.

 

I have a 1997 Ram 3500 . No prob. with the 360 cid motor or Trans. On the top of it, is a CoachHouse Motorhome ... total weight is about 8600 lbs. Gets 15 mpg on the highway. I suggest you have the Trans. flushed out with a Power Machine that gets all the fluid out, then have synthetic trans fluid put in. Also consider a high capacity external add on Filter to catch very tiny particulates. J.C. Whitney carries one as does Jegs or Summit Racing . And remember....doing Nuetral Drops with it is a no no