I have a 97 Ram 4x4 with a 5.9L and a 360.

I pulled my transmission today and tore it down.
The magnet had was covered in metal shavings.
After completely tearing it down I found that the
Overrunning Clutch Assembly (Sprag) at the back of the main case was about 85% dissenagrated and burned up.

I find it hard to believe that this was the only problem
My transmission does not like to shift and in 2nd gear it would only hold about half throttle, any more than half throttle then it would slip and smack the rev limiter. After the shift from 2nd to 3rd it would directly shift right to Overdrive, no time in 3rd gear at all. If i'm drivin down the highway at 60 and hit the overdrive switch to turn it off, it goes directly to 2nd and doesn't even go into 3rd.

I guess I just dont believe that the Sprag being tore up is the only problem.

Let me know what you think, thanks

 

my 01 with a 46re was having problems with second gear but that was it. my dad works for dodge and has been a chrysler tech for 25 years and they had a new transmition control program that they flashed into the controler and it works much better.

 

It would be a good idea to completely dis assemble the valve body and clean it. As you take it apart, look for any foreign objects and while all parts are still covered with fluid, make sure all the spool valves slide easily in their bores.

 

Thank you for the Valve Body info.........workin on the valve body is what scares me, everything is pretty easy.

Yea I got a complete Rebuild kit with Red Eagle Clutches, A new Overrunning Clutch Assembly, and a new O/D Piston Retainer as the pieces from the Overrunning clutches had messed up the machined surface.

I will take apart the valve body as is it probably cloggeed with metal shavings and thats prolly why it never wanted to shift out of first or second and the overrunning clutch was probably the issue as to why it would slip so bad.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't over looking anything. This is my first Automatic Tranny Rebuild

 

hey i had a question and if you dont mind me asking bout how much was all of your parts and do you have all the tools to do it with and if you dont have the tools how do you get them

 

I got the Viper Rebuild Kit from TransmissionCenter.net for $382.00
This is a high performance kit and with it being built right it will handle alot of beating and high horsepower.

I did not buy any extra transmission specialty tools. If I needed a specialy tool I took the parts to my local transmission shop and have them perform simple tasks for a small fee. Alot better than buying expensive tools that I will use once every few years.


I tackled most of the valve body today, cleaned it all real good and air dried it. I have all three parts of the valve body cleaned and wrapped in saran wrap ready to go back together. Valve body looked scary, but it was pretty simple. Dont do a rebuild without a rebuild manual. I'm using the rebuild manual from scribd.com.

 

ok sweet man thanks for the info so you can pretty well do the rebuild at home in a shop or garage with a manual with a few minor helps here and there from a tranny shop??

 

Yea you can buy the tools if you would like, but I'm cheap and I dont like to wait HAHA. This is my first automatic tranny rebuild and its turning out to be not too bad.

You atleast need basic hand tools, snap ring pliers, torque wrench, feeler gauge, digital caliper.

Alotta the transmission specialty guys can fill you in on alot of things.
They're awesome and they save me alotta money. (THANKS!!)

Just make sure you follow the Rebuild Manual to the EXACT. Make sure your clutch clearances are exactly what the manual says and soak your clutches in ATF for atleast 30 min. before installing. Be sure to be very clean, dont use lint towels and take your time.

 

ok cool man i really appreciate this i have been in a pinch with money and trying to find the cheapest way to do this for a while now i really miss my truck. lol and i have a buddy that is a mechanic and has about every tool you can think of so ima see if he will help me. i greatly appreciate your advice and help

 

If you want to get a cheaper rebuild, but a good one go to www.transmissioncenter.net and on the home page scroll down to "Stock Rebuild Kits".............. for only $140 you get a complete Alto Master Rebuild kit. I would have gone with that but my truck has alot more torque than stock so I wanted to get a firm shifting transmission.