Ok more Band Adjustment information. Pretty much by now, all of us use the same sheet or information for the band adjustments. I am talking about the http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmi...T_band_adj.htmsite. Not to mention all of the friendly advice within our forums here. My problem is specifically the locknuts to the band adjusters. I have always done, as everyone else has, the recommended 30 foot pounds for the front band adjuster locknut and 25 foot pounds for the rear band adjuster locknut. In doing some reading in the manual, that is also so graciously given to us in many post here, that it is actually the reverse! According to the manual, at the bottom of page 2168, it says to tighten the front band adjuster locknut to 25 foot pounds and the rear band adjuster locknut to 30 foot pounds of torque. Could this be one of the problems with adjusting the bands that many of us have experienced? I am not the first to state the tranny was much better before the band adjustment. Now, I will be the first to admit, that the locknut should not affect performance in any way. However, there is a torque spec for a reason and the extra 5 foot pounds of torque is actually a lot of difference and maybe in theory can cause the band adjuster to become loose much faster than it should. And so is the reverse of that last statement. I don't know but maybe I read it wrong....

 

Mhm, that is an interesting find. I would assume that could be an issue. When it comes to figguring out what exactly is right when so many sources contradict eachother, I usuially call up chryslers regonal servace facility and ask them (if you cant contact them call a bunch of dodge dealers and make sure they all say the same thing).

 

The torque on the lock nut is not going to effect trans shift at all. It is based to the type of material and size of nut. It is the depth of adjuster bolt that affect band adjustment and even that is not critical. I've done hundreds of trans services and always adjusted torque by feel and eyeballed the adjuster bolt turns. Not a single complaint or issue.
You guys are really over thinking this.

 

Yeah way over thinking it

 

I will be changing my tranny fliud soon and appreciate the discussion about the band adjustment. I have been a-scared about adjusting and now even more afraid. If 9 out of 10 people don't have a problem, I am the 1 of 10. My 46RE seems to shift properly, however the 46RH in my Dakotais a much better tranny. The 46RH shifts incredibly consistant and the same all the time. My 46RE doesn't and I believe it is because it is more "advanced". Thanks for the good info.

 

Rabbler so what are you looking for when you adjust a band?

 

I'm not looking for anything specific during a band adjustment.
A symptom of a very worn or really loose front band is rpm flare during 1-2 shift. Usually it's not the band that fails its the servo & seals that actuate the band. I have seen a few broken bands though.
When I adjust the front band I loosen off the lock nut 4 turns and screw in the adjuster 'till its tight. then I back off the adjuster almost 3 turns. Then while holding the adjuster screw, snug down the lock nut. Finished!

The low reverse band I rarely adjust. It's only used in reverse and manual 1st gear so unless you so a lot of stump pulling in reverse you will have very little to no wear on that band.

The rule with band and clutch clearance is better to be a little loose than too tight. If it's too tight it will drag and cause wear and excess heat.

The avg tranny might need 1 band adjustment over it's life

So, stop stressing over this guys.