I am the original owner of a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I changed the trans around 60k miles (now 160k). I'm starting to have some weird slipping between 3rd and 4th. I'm considering purchasing a rebuilt trans from a reputable source. Any suggestions on a good resource to accomplish this? Thanks!

 

IS there a 'reputable source'??

I would check out the various trans shops in your area, and see if any of them have a reasonable reputation.... The advantage of having it done locally is, if there is a problem, you can talk to a real human being, face to face.....

 

Haha, good point. I totally agree with you regarding trying to use a local establishment. My problem is that I intend to do the work myself and most of those places won't sell the transmission to you without also doing the work. I had seen several mentions of places folks in these forums highly suggested; however, the posts were quite old. I was wondering if there was a general consensus on a good business to buy from that folks still recommend these days.

 

I bought a reman through from ETE Reman through rockauto a handful of years back. It didn't last long at all (with a cooler and zero towing, just normal daily driving). They sent me another one, but I had to do all the labor, which I wasn't happy about. Wouldn't really recommend.

Next one I do I plan on trying to rebuild myself. Transmission Bench on youtube has a very comprehensive video series on how to do it step by step, and it doesn't actually look hard at all. That way I know exactly what parts go in it. These chepo rebuilder parts seem to be an issue.

 

Sounds like you want to do the work of removing and replacing the transmission in & out of the truck, but to have someone perform a bench rebuild on a transmission, warranty it and sell it to you. It is very difficult to find a good source for a bench rebuilt transmission. I do have two places here in central VA I can recommend, however, they don't deal with mail orders and shipping. Where. in general, are you located?

 

I did my first transmission rebuild this year and I must say the rebuild wasn't bad at all. Had a fun time removing and reinstalling it by myself but at 54 I did it. Mine wasn't a 4x4 though. I have a 1999 Dodge Ram1500 5.2 46re transmission. It was a learning experience as I had to do some adjustments and replace a few parts that I thought was good but it seems to be shifting pretty good. Mine was around 163,000 miles on it. They are right on some places don't want anything to do with something they didn't rebuild or off the shelf. I learned that after the guy down the road from me pretty much cold shouldered me after he learned I did the rebuild. I drove the guys in here gray headed but they did help me out through my rebuild.lol. Mine was slipping as well.

 

You might want to diagnose what the issue is with it instead of replacing/rebuilding it. It might be a lot less of a headache than pulling it out.

 

I've tried to diagnose the problem. I've replaced just about all the parts that I can without removing the trans or adjusting the bands. Any suggestions on what other steps I might try to troubleshoot the problem? Parts I replaced were:

governor pressure solenoid
governor pressure sensor
output speed sensor
3-4 accumulator spring
filter
gaskets
lock up springs
lock-up and overdrive solenoid with harness

 

If you have replaced all the sensors, and still have the same problem, its likely a mechanical issue.... thus, rebuild time.

Try this..... Disconnect the 8 pin connector on the drivers side of the trans, about halfway back. This disables ALL the electronics. So, no automatic function AT ALL, no TCC, no O/D. Go for a ride, start in first, up/downshift as appropriate. If it goes into the gear you tell it to, when you tell it to, you still have an electronics issue. If it doesn't, it is certainly rebuild time.

 

I wonder if maybe the issue he is having may be with the valve body? As you know when I did mine. The parts looked really good but with the millage and the fact I had the rebuild kit. I went through the rebuild. It would be a pain to drop from underneath but not impossible to do a cheap rebuild might solve his issue if fluid is clean and clear of any metal. Just have to be slow and careful with dropping it with the spring. I'm limited on experience but have learned what to look for now.lol