My 2000 ram 1500 5.2 auto tranny had been leaking fluid, had the seals replaced, still leaks. I haven't been using it because of this, and had been using my other car. I had to leave my other car far away at work for the week, and needed to run some local errands here at home. I started my truck, and drove it about 0.8 miles total in about 15-20 minutes of running time. It was mostly idle in park, neutral, and drive. I never exceeded about 25mph. I noticed it started slipping, so I immediately just took it home. It slipped about 3 times by the time I got home.

Question: is the tranny now ruined, thus needing a total rebuild instead of just tq, ATF pump, and seal replacement?

 

Did you verify where the leaks were actually coming from? If the seals were replaced (and done correctly) if that was the original problem then it shouldn't leak.

You could drop the pan and see how much material is floating around and on the magnet. Chances are your in for a rebuild.

 

I've been told there's a bushing between the tq and pump (or other parts of tq/pump) which can wear out and leak, but since I didn't do the work myself, I don't know. It leaks out from the bell housing/dust cover area.

 

How long ago did you have the work done? Perhaps you could take it back and tell them it still leaks, unless the seals were in need of replacement you paid for nothing....

 

Had it done about a month ago, leaked after two days. I called them about it and they said that meant the tq and pump needed to be replaced.

 

I asked here and was told that was most likely the case.

 

Might very well be the case. But if you're already slipping, damage has been done, and you will be needing a rebuild, sooner or later (probably sooner).

Do you know if it's ever been rebuilt?

 

I doubt it. It's got 123k miles. Might need a replacement anyway, no?

 

Doesn't show up for some reason - 123,000 miles.

 

1 2 3k? That's a fair amount if it's the original transmission. The numbers 123 won't show up together, WTF?

Since your in a bind with it anyway, drop and pan and see what you find. Probably clutch material floating around. The slipping will only get worse.