I have a 2001 ram 1500 5.9 v8 4x4 auto quad cab with 165,xxx miles that I bought this past summer.

I have feared the transmission would need replacement "sometime" and since I've been getting the p1740 code I've
been worried that "sometime" would be sooner that I'd like. Today the line blew off the transcooler ... so I didn't get very far.
It could be that the time for a rebuild is umm now but before I have it towed to the trans shop...

I picked up a case of atf4+ a filter and pan gasket. I noticed that the factory check valve is still in place and someone
has bypassed the radiator cooler and installed an aftermarket trans cooler.

I plan to check the check valve for blockage and replace the line with new fittings. I know that having the trans fluid go through the radiator helps the transmission warmup in cold weather.

Since I do not know the history of the vehicle I feel like I need to check the radiator cooler for leaks before I connect it up.

So unless I see obvious signs of death when I drop the pan I plan to give it a try.

Anything else I should try?

Anyone rebuild one of these autos and have tips? Anyone swap in a nv4500 for an auto?


Later
Ryan

 

There are a couple threads for the NV4500 swap that folks here have done, search should turn them up. Several folks here have also rebuilt their own transmissions, having never been inside one before. There is a thread or two about that as well. (gdstock is one name that comes to mind, his thread is probably still around, but, we haven't seen him for a while. Life got busy for him.)

There is also a trans thread by j415 (who also hasn't been seen in quite some time...) with some good links for rebuilding your auto trans. Service manual is available there too. (In the service manual thread.) not sure where folks get the atsg guide from.....