Originally Posted by VWandDodge

You should do what everyone says and spend a shiatload of money. After all, they are instant experts at what you can spend since they're not in your area and know all of the rates and prices.

I'm just saying....

Originally Posted by dsertdog56

Well...OP says thats the lowest estimate and its a reputable shop....just sayin' .

When I want a tranny done, I have found that the shops rep is as important than the price. Back in the day, I always worked on having a good raport with my tranny guy.

For the record, My tranny cost about 1800 oo out the door, with a new converter. Shoulda been easy to flush my cooler since theres no check valve, and I asked him to. He also installed my deep pan and didn't charge me extra for any fluid he used.
The shop was highly recommended by several people and I liked the guy and his attitude when I met him. The tranny runs cool and shifts firmly.

My last tranny was a 904 out of an 85 Van. It was 495 out the door, with a used planetary (mine went BANG) and a converter flush. Back in '99 the same guy quoted me 1500oo to do my 97 rams tranny (which hadn't died yet) and that was with a bunch of extra work.

I suggest the OP consider installing a shift kit, temp guage, larger cooler, and maybe a deep pan if funds permit, and in that order. Many guys are against this, but I recommend junking the check valve too.

See, I even spent more of his money...but I'm a salesman.

Originally Posted by J415

He's just being sarcastic. That's all. I don't think it was meant to be a negative comment if that's how you received it.

Originally Posted by Magnumpwr16

And yes I towed on a regular basis its a truck thats what its for lol

Originally Posted by Augiedoggy

well a 1500 isnt really ideal for heavy towing on a regular basis.(even with the towing package thats why theirs the heavier tranny option in the 2500/3500s)...and most people dont actually tow with their trucks ....just like most corvette owners dont race them? many just buy them mainly for the image actually
it was a good question to ask with about a 50/50 chance of yes or no so I dont see how it was funny.....I guess I'll assume you have the towing package with the heavy duty tranny cooler then huh?....If not maybe thats why it burned up?.... No need to get cop an attitude man, I'm just trying to help you figure out what might have caused it to **** the bed and why the fluid was dark.

Originally Posted by Magnumpwr16

calm down guy im not copping an attitude lol yes i tow but nothing that it cant handle its a landscape trailer with mowers nothing crazy, and yes it has the factory tow package with hd tranny cooler. i appreciate the input

Originally Posted by Augiedoggy

sorry.... just seems like a lot of kids here lately who ask for help but act like they already know everything when you try to give it....guess it put my on the defensive lately....
And I know where vwdodge is comming from, its always the ones who have no experience with the reality of actually having to pay for the fixes they recommend that chime in the most.... they rant and rave about how they will never have the issue you do because they are gonna do this and gonna do that to their truck.....yeah as soon as daddy finishes paying for it and they are out of high school...then reality hits them (and i'm not saying that happened on this thread) I'll get off my soapbox now....
rough day! My trucks in the shop getting very expensive repairs from the last owner apparently beating the crap out of it.

Originally Posted by Magnumpwr16

no worries man, i was looking for opinions and advice i know i dont know everything and appreciate your input. and yeah, im not one of those kids that had the truck bought for me lol. i bought it myself, insure it, repair, and fill the tank myself, thats why this hurts so much, kind of a pricey repair for a 20 year old.