Ok transmission guys... heres the deal. I know I have a problem, just not sure how bad or what its going to take to fix it. Basically I have a shudder in my trans under normal driving conditions. To be specific,I will be under power say around 40 to 5o and it will suddenly fill like its missing, only its in the trans. It will kind of slip and grab very quickly like less than a second and do it several times in a row. The weird thing is it only does it every now and then. I really have no idea what causes this. I know some of you are really good with transmission issues so any input would be appreciated along with what you think it will take to fix it. Its an automaic by the way.


'98 5.2 4x4 Long box Automatic

 

sounds like torque converter!

 

I had a similar issue about 2 years after my first transmission rebuild. Had it in to several mechanics for growling noise. Was told it was the transfer case going out. As the noise got worse and I got ready to take it in to have a new transfer case put it, it started "slipping" once in a while, sometimes repeatedly over 30 seconds or so. Long story short, on the way to the mechanic, my transmission went out again. Mechanic said the transfer case is fine, the rear bearing on the transmission came out, causing the transmission to fail again.

 

It could be an enginemisfire.
Sometimes you can only feel it when the torque converter locks up.
Usually caused bybad plug wires. Pull your plug wires off one by one and check the ends for corrosion. Check them at the cap and each spark plug.

 

I forgot to add that I had a convertor put in a year ago while the trans was out to replace the front and rear seal. I noticed another fella had the exact same post on here last night. He had the same problem. I noticed he said that a bump sometimes seemed to trigger it... that is the same thing here. I dont think its a misfire.

 

Well mine is at the shop overnight, so I might be able to let you know what the problem was with mine. It was diagnosed as a bad/burned "OD Drum" which I think he meant gear. I called him today and he said everything's ok, it's just on the mechanics table getting put back together. Couldn't tell ya anything specific though

 

ok I'll run this post around one more time to see if anyone else knows whats up with this tranny!

 

How noticeable is it? Enough to knock you around a little or just like a little vibration? Most rams have a problem of a "chuckle" when you let off the gas at around 40. The truck shakes just a little like it is chuckling. Perfectly normal.

 

you may have a missfire get your engine codes checked if not its probablyyour torque converter. Another thing for you guys having issues with your trannys that seem to fluctuate at about 2000-2400RPM for no reason whengoin down the hiway with the cruize control about 65MPH on I have two questions 1. What size of tires are you running? and 2. what gears are you running? I had a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee (33s and 3.55s bad combo) and my current 2001 Ram 1500(285/75-16 and 3.54s currently being switched to 4.10s)which didthis also and it is because 3.55 gears are too low for any tire larger than a 235/75-16 let alone for a truck. The transmission cant make up its mind if should stay in overdrive or switch to a lower gear and/orslip in some way,it WILL eventually kill your transmission. The only fix for this is turn the overdrive off or to change your axle gears to something deeper like 3.92 or 4.10 or for you guys running 35-37s 4.56s you will also notice better fuel mileage too since your engine dont have to work as hard to turn those tires and carry the weight of your truck around you also won't be changing u-joints as often either. Also the factory torque coverters arent the greatest try and find a beefer unit I have an 2006 3500 Cummins that if pushed too hard will slip like crazy but its also has 500hp and 900ft/lbs of torque (running 325/70R17 Toyo ATs w/4.10s,5 stage programmer,intake) so I am even looking at a billet flywheel (you can feel it shudder from flexing) and torque converter just to keep things from coming apart. Factory parts are usually junk to begin with and will barely work at best in stock form I am not sure why they even put 3.54 or 3.55s in a truck in the first place other than to make money on broken parts and labor to fix them.

 

Ok to answer both questions.... I am currently running 265's nothing outlandish for sure. The symptoms can best be described as a hiccup. It can take place at any speed but it really did it bad around 40- 50mph and it seems to be set off by bumps in the road. I know weird. I am just convinced it the tranny because of the way it feels. Also I dont have any codes and my TC was replaced about 6000 ago when I had my front and real tranny seals replaced. Its just really strange.

UPDATE: Well I may have the same problem as kowboy. I have noticed that its doing the shutter when it shifts into OD at low RPMs so that sounds like his previous post. Anyone have any experience with the OD situation let me know so I'll know what kinda money I'm looking at.