1999 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD
158,000 Miles

So for some time I have had a surging issue with my transmission. I have been bad and just disconnect the battery to correct it. Over 40mph it surges or hunts and will not go into over drive. It happened again and I ignored it for a while as I was only doing local driving. On the high way today it did it and I tried to push it too far. It began to shutter and just generally feel awful. It drives but like garbage now.

So I think I need a rebuild. I have found a couple on craigslist that are out of wrecks that were supposedly rebuilt not long ago (both under $1000) Is it worth buying one of these or rebuilding mine? I use it mostly as a DD with occasional plowing in the winter and some light towing.

Thanks,
Tim

 

First, I would try changing the fluid/filter, and adjusting the bands. While you are in there, have a look at the governor pressure sensor/solenoid. If the solenoid is plugged up with crap, you can try cleaning it out really good, (think there is a DIY in the faq section for that...) or, simply replace it. The sensor is another matter entirely.... there is really no inspection to be done, if it looks at you cross-eyed, replace it.

Also, check your trans cooler lines up by the radiator, and see if the check valve is still in the line that goes to the bottom of the radiator, if it is, get rid of it. (DIY's for that too...)

If you find lotsa metal in the trans pan...... might just save yourself some trouble, and have yours rebuilt.

Sure, buying someone elses rebuild might at first glance seem cheaper, but, then you have to figure in, getting it to your house, or, the shop your are going to have replace it..... and if it's a shop, the actual labor cost to R&R the trans. Also, if you have trouble with it.... there are real advantages in being able to just trip up to the local shop, and have a chat with 'em.

Or, you could spend the big bucks, and get something like a Mega Viper.

That whole "CTD" thing always confuses me....... I keep thinking things like:

crash to desktop or
core 2 duo.......

takes me a bit to figger out "Cummins Turbo Diesel".......

 

my guess is that the ones from wrecks may or may not be rebuilt. unless there's a receipt for it, or the owner swears up and down that he had it rebuilt by a specific shop for a certain amount of money, then i'd have to assume its not.

if it has a torque converter, you might could tell by the color or brand whether it looks original OEM or not. you might also be about to tell by the seals.

its really more a matter of money, warranty, and comfort level than anything else. if you plan to keep the truck and drive it another 5 years and tow the boat and camper, etc, and have a 2 or 3 year warranty, then have it rebuilt with heavy duty grade parts for about $1500-2000. if you just want to put it back on the road, and you can tolerate replacing it again if you happen to get a lemon, then just slap in a junkyard one and move on. make sure it the right years and have the right connections.

at the last minute i see its a CTD. cost might be a little more.

 

^i agree with fluid/filter change....NOT A FLUSH, band adjustment, and check valve removal if it hasnt been done.

 

I brought it to a local tranny shop (a good one, highly reccomended old timer who works out of his house). He is talking about either a comp flash and/or speed sensors/solenoids.

We'll see what happens. I am working on a boat in NY for the month so I told him to take his time and really give it a good look cuz I want this to last. I don't want the truck to fall apart while the Cummins runs for ever.