I have a 99 RAM QC with a 5.9 and Auto Tranny with 83000 miles

I bought it used about 2 years ago, and its my first Dodge, and first Automatic (Fords and standards proir)

We justed ordered a 32' travel trailer that grosses at about 6700#. Shouldn't be a problem. Before picking up the trailer I'd like to service the tranny some. I have the window sticker, and it list 'Heavy Duty Service Group' which lists Aux. Transmission Oil Cooler. I was going to upgrade the cooler (DO I NEED TO?), add a temperature guage, and new filter and oil. (WHATS THE BEST OIL TO USE?) Having never owned or work on an automatic before what is tightening the bands, and is it hard to do with the tranny still in the truck? Also is adding a shift kit hard to do, and is it benifical? I've heard of the celinoids in the tranny going bad, is this something i should address, or only if they go bad.

Well, I know thats alot to ask, so any help would be greatly appriciated

Also, any tips on towing with this truck would be great.

Thanks

Alan

 

I'M NOT A TRANNY MAN BUT I'VE BEEN A MECHANIC AWHILE, THE BANDS ARE INSIDE THE TRANNY , YOU CAN'T TOUCH THEM, USE A CHRYSLER FLUID +3, NOT DEXTRON, A COOLER WOULD DEFINATELY HELP ANY PULLING, KEEPS THE FLUID COOL AND HELPS PREVENT SLIPPING THAT BURNS THE BANDS UP. KEEP IN MIND WHEN GOING UP HILLS DON'T PUSH IT, CHRYSLER HAS A BAD TEANNY REP, BUT ITS NOT THE TRANNY IT THE CRAPPY TORQUE CONVERTERS, THEY SEEM TO COME APART THEN PUMP SMALL PARTICLES INTO THE TRANS AND THE REST IS HISTORY, ***REMEMBER NO DEXTRON, AND TAKE IT EASY UP HILLS AND ALL SHOULD BE FINE, MAINLY PULLING YOU NEED A STANDARD**** GOOD LUCK

 

Hi Alan,

You're best bet (IMHO) and least expensive is to install a shift kit in your transmission. I just had my torque converter (TC) changed and added a shift kit by TransGo for $500 total (I recomend both for your use). The shift kit has an option for normal or heavy duty towing (Don't try to drink hot coffee unless towing!...lol). He uses the heavy duty option for towing heavy loads only.

The mechanic that did mine said he never had one come back for repairs after the TC was replaced and TransGo shift kit installed. He's been doing this for 25 years and spent most of those years managing a AAMCO franchise. Not a warranty, just good advise?

 

What kind of TC did you have put in? I'm planning to rebuild mine in the next couple of months. I've never done it before but I'm sure I can handle the job. The only thing that worries me is the making sure the pump is operating properly. Any ideas on the pump someone told me they are know for failure but I don't thinkI buy this. I've heard about the torque converter and valve bodies usually being the culprit but not the pump. Another question what kind of rpm's at the shift points

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK

Measuring the oil pump output volume will determine if sufficient oil flow to the transmission oil cooler exists, and whether or not an internal transmission failure is present. Verify that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. If necessary, fill the transmission to the proper level with Mopart ATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

(1) Disconnect the To cooler line at the cooler inlet and place a collecting container under the disconnected line.

CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level, fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or internal damage to the transmission may occur.

(2) Run the engine at curb idle speed, with the shift selector in neutral.

(3) If one quart of transmission fluid is collected in the container in 20 seconds or less, oil pump flow volume is within acceptable limits. If fluid flow is intermittent, or it takes more than 20 seconds to collect one quart of fluid, refer to the Hydraulic Pressure tests in this section for further diagnosis.

(4) Re-connect the To cooler line to the transmission cooler inlet.

(5) Refill the transmission to proper level.

 

Thanks. Ive got the p1740 code im pretty sure the plate and solinoids should be replaced. I plan on throwing in the transgo shift kit and TC while im at it. Some people have said that they have replaced the plate and still got the code. doesn't make a lot of sense to me. My tranny is shot. Good reverse no 3rd or 4th only 1st and sometimes 2nd. Pretty sure its the lock up solonid because of the way it shifts especially when the fluid is cold.figgured a better TC and a shift kit would help.

 

Any more info here?

 

First your lucky you have the HD SVC group. The AUX trans cooler is fine, but you need to do the following. Replace the antidrain back valve in the pressure side cooler hose ( they are known for sticking and roasting trannys). Then install a Sonnax "Sure Cure Kit"( this will correct the internal lube problems with the tranny) . As for shift kits, use the Transgo TFOD Jr. You dont want "banging" shifts, just no slipping! The temp guage is a great idea, 180 degrees is what your goal should be, any hotter and it wont live long! Get a deep pan ( at least 6 qts) and use full syntheitc ATF with a friction modifer.

 

I'd put a bigger tranny cooler on it, and remove the check valve in the cooler line.
A shift kit will help keep things tight, and things like atemp guage and a deeper pan will help keep things in line and cooler.
At 80k you need to keep an eye on the three shift selenoids and your pressure switch. If you install a shift kit, I'd change all three. Cheap insurance.

I gotta tell ya, towing 6700 lbs with your truck is really pushing the upper end of its abilities, especially if you load it down with people, pets and luggage. I hope your HD group included 3:92 gears, and you're running a stock size tire. Expect to not use overdrive a lot in hilly country, and you may find your right foot more useful than your cruise.