I just bought a one owner 2001 dodge ram 1500 with 75K miles on it. The owner always brought it to the Dodge dealer for oil changes and maintenance. The two issues I have are a steering wandering and the 1st to 2nd gear slippage.

Eventhough the original owner took it to the dealership for service, I was unable to determine if it ever had tranny service. With this being said, should I change the trans fluid with this many miles on it?

Thanks,

jeff

 

Welcome to DF!

Is it a 2wd or 4wd? you can try adjusting the steering box slop, follow these directions:

https://dodgeforum.com/m_657750/tm.htmor
https://dodgeforum.com/m_899062/tm.htm

As far as the tranny fluid, change the fluid and filter, just don't get a flush IMHO. Let it drip drain out overnight and put new fluid in the top. A flush sometimes pushes debris around and it can get lodged in a place you don't want it to. Pull the tranny pan, drain, change filter, clean magnet, replace pan with new gasket, and refill in neutral.

A slight slippage might need a band adjustment. You can use the search functionhere and try it yourself, or take it toa reputable tranny shop or the dealer to get itdone.

 

congrats.
change trans fluid ? absolutely. every 12-24k. use ATF+4 only. don't tow w/OD on.
df tech info.. https://dodgeforum.com/m_904616/tm.htm
another good tech site... http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/trans.php
download service manual here.. https://dodgeforum.com/m_340929/tm.htm

 

A little excessive on the fluid change. I believe the owners manual says 60-65k. Off the top of my head but that may have been the wife's Sebring.[8D]

 

So I should change the fluid eventhough it hasn't been changed in 75,000 miles?

 

I had the same question. A mechanic told me not to change it. His reasoning was that because it had never been changed the clutches would be toast. The only thing keeping the clutchs working was the dirty oil. If I changed the oil then there would be no friction for the clutches to work and I would end up having to do major repairs on the tranny. I think he is full of crap and I plan on doing the oil change in about a month. By the way my truck as 113000 miles