Hit it with an axe.

 

I would consider a new T.Q. with a stall between 2100 and 2300. Also have them inspect your trans cooling lines with those miles. Also a new radiator.

 

sorry T.C. (torque converter)

 

The radiator isn't even three years old. Worst case, I have a 2-core brass sitting in the garage that I might install when this is all done.

 

I read that the valve body end plate from the factory has a tendency of distorting and leaking which reduces pressure. If you have not inspected it, it may be worth a shot. Here is a link to a shift kit upgrade (and instructions on removing the VB).

http://www.apsprecision.com/45RFE%20...structions.pdf

PS By no means am I a tranny guy, or even know if the plate can get so bad as to cause your problem…I just read this and thought it sounded logical.

Good luck,
Kurt

 

Sorry, I forget about that every time I read about the LEAKING REAR MAIN! LOL

 

Trans shop had the transmission out of the truck and completely torn down today. I went down after work to get the 50-cent tour and learned that it has been removed once before. Luckily, whoever removed it to work on it before didn't tear up the back of it.

Anyway, the clutched were shot. At least, the overdrive clutches were. No material and the packs were warped. The forward and reverse didn't look that bad. The Intermediate Band was bad and there was some usual wear on the drum, but overall it wasn't *bad*, just going out and ready for a ground-up. The Sonnax shift kit will be installed in the valve body as well as the external cooler. Those should both make a huge different. The torque converter was sent to a local place they use for rebuilding them.

Here's the big issue. They said that with a fresh rebuild that they use a Dextron type fluid, but I told them that Chrysler ONLY recommends ATF4+. They stated that the 4+ is probably not to be mixed with Dextron, but they've done enough rebuilds in 30 years that they've never had a problem. If I service the trans every 24K miles or once a year, they've claimed I should have no problems. So, I'm going to hold them to it.

Now, there is an issue with the crank and the oil leak. It appears that there's too much endplay with the crank and that it's been hitting and tearing the oil pan gasket. I'm going to make a telephone call to my engine shop and ask about that. After all, they did the bottom end on the engine and I think they should deal with that PITA.

Oh, and zman, I admired my BRASS CORE PLUGS in the back of the block

 

Use whatever fluid YOU want. Transmission shops use the same fluid in every transmission, a dextron based fluid, know why?

Because its CHEAP, they buy hundreds of gallons of it every month. Its your money, use the fluid YOU want in YOUR transmission.

 

Good point. I was thinking of switching to a synthetic fluid like many other people here have done and seem to be happy to have done so.

 

Got the truck back today.


SHE SHIFTS LIKE A CHAMP!!! Nice and firm with no slipping and no sluggishness. The damage was only $1,780 and I bet my mileage climbs from the mid 15's that I've been getting. The trans doesn't downshift or shudder on mild inclines like it did before. The truck rides really smooth as well.