Hi, First time posting here (great info everywhere too), but I still have some questions. OK, Picked up another truck, 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 5.9(360) automatic w/OD for $1,000 yesterday. Anyway, the truck does absolutely nothing when shifted into reverse but runs and shifts good though all 4 forward gears with a little slippage when accelerating hard in first gear only. The truck has 189,000 miles and suspect its just worn out but will start going through things today. Any suggestions on what to do? Fuild/filter change? Additives? I was told by the owner that I may be able to adjust the bands too.

I have always drove Dodge trucks since the mid 80s and all are manual trannys, this is my first automatic. Is it cheaper to get a rebuilt tranny or rebuild it myself or just have it rebuilt? Kits seem to be around $150. I have never done a tranny but know my way around motors.

The owner said it it will not go into 4X4 mode, I read up on the actuator so will be checking that soon also. Is it possible that no reverse and no 4X4 are both a bad vacuum problem and related?

It also has a check engine light on so I got the codes read out today but I am not sure where to take the numbers. They are as follows...1237324655. Any ideas? Idle is a little low and rough but smooth power under acceleration.

Sorry for all the question, Thanks for any help!
Gary (retired USAF)

 

No reverse means your first & reverse clutch pack is shot, especially when you can its slipping in first. Don't bother with additives if you plan on keeping this rig, just have it rebuilt or R&R a already rebuilt trans. Buy some Amsoil power foam and clean out the throttle body.

 

when you read the obd codes pair the numbers up and then look at this link
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/general-tech/8717-service-engine-codes-for-obd-engines.html
and it will tell you what the codes are

 

? First and reverse clutch pack? What transmission are you talking about?

OP: Adjust the Reverse band. Either its out of adjustment or the reverse apply servo is broken or the seal is shot. Usually its just out of adjustment.

If first gear is slipping than the forward clutch is about to go. These transmissions are very simple and easy to overhaul. Reverse is on the rear band, 1st gear is one clutch pack (rear clutch), 2nd gear is on the front band, and third is one clutch (front clutch). Then you have 4th gear which is in its own case, it consist of an overdrive direct clutch and an overdrive brake clutch.

 

Thanks for the info guys! I'll post back with more questions later, I am pretty sure...
Gary

 

online trans manuals

http://www.scribd.com/doc/228727/Dodge-Trucks-TechTran-A500-42RH-A518-46RH-A618-
47RH-Service-Manual

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Flash,
Shockwave, plugins

 

Thanks again for all the info guys.

Ok update time, I added a can of Seafoam tranny flush then drove it about 30 minutes. I dropped the tranny pan, the old tranny fluid looked black like old motor oil and smelled really bad. Filter was black with sludge. Magnet in the pan was covered was with what appeared like black grease but would have to be metal particles. I adjusted the reverse band. I had to turn the pusher screw in the center about 20 turns before it started engaging so I could torque it to 72 in lbs, then backed it off 2 7/8 turns and then locked down the lock nut. I refilled with Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic fluid and a bottle of LubeGuard tranny fluid protectant(rated #1). Anyway, it will spin the tires easily on pavement in reverse now! WooHoo.

It still seems to slip some (1/3 throttle or more)from a stop in 1st gear only. Any ideas? Sounds like I will have to rebuild the the 1st gear clutch pack eventually. also, I didn't adjust the kickdown adj screw, I didn't think that would help.

Hope this may help someone,
Gary

 

Sorry bud, that transmission is going to need a rebuild. It sounds like the reverse band has almost no life left and your forward clutch pack is shot. Your on borrowed time right now.

 

Thats what I was guessing also, just wanted a second opinion. Thanks for the response. Kinda wanted to take a shot a doing a rebuild myself too, consider myself pretty good with tools and I printed off the manual.

You guys recommend a particular rebuild kit brand to use or one to avoid? I noticed several different levels also(heavy duty, extreme duty, racing, ect). Any suggestions? I do tow fairly often, but nothing really heavy(bassboat, hunting camper, several ATVs, dunebuggies, ect)

Thanks,
Gary

 

Buy the Precision o/h kit. Alto high energy clutches. Sonnax Sure Cure kit. Try and stay away form the OE type 2nd gear band, i cant remember who makes the band i use, its a different and better design, it has more surface area. Use an alto or raybestos rear band. Use a new OE converter or go to a company called Precision of New Hampton.

Optionals for you:
All new bushings
All new thrust washers
New selective thrust washers
New one way rollers (2)

You have to be careful with this unit, if you choose to run it until it dies then you could have a problem with hard parts. The front pump and intermediate shaft support will tear up in a heart beat. Also the reverse drum is known for tearing up as well as the entire overdrive unit.