Howdy all,

I got my truck smogged, registered, and driving after nearly two years of on and off work completely rebuilding the engine and everything in front of the trans as I was hoping it was serviceable. Well now it appears it is on its last leg as not only is there a giant "clunk" when shifting into reverse, but it refuses to shift into 3rd until ~40 mph or ~4000 RPM, and will then immediately shift into 4th. Originally it threw a code for the speed sensor and replacing it with an OEM one fixed that issue, and I read some other older posts on here about adjusting the throttle valve cable and ensuring the linkage wasn't locked up, which I did. However, I noticed that the clip on the TV cable had already been fully set to the maximum as the adjusting clip won't move any further, and a hard push just pops the spring mechanism out. I also have about a 1/3" of play in all of the cables that link up to the throttle body.

When I first bought the truck I changed the transmission fluid, solenoids, and filter and noticed that there was a TON of metallic sludge on the bottom of the pan and on the magnets there. My guess is that the bands are completely shot and I really do just need a complete rebuild (and likely a new TV cable), but if anyone has any other suggestions for me to try prior to dropping a few thousand bucks it would be greatly appreciated!

Vehicle: 2000 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.9l Magnum, 46RE (2WD)

 

How many miles are on the truck and do you know anything about it's maintenance history?

Check the fluid level and smell/look at the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add some fluid (ATF+4). If the fluid is dark and has a burnt smell, it's likely time for the transmission rebuild and a new TV cable, as yours possibly sounds stretched.

 

Thanks for the reply; it has 205,000 miles and to my knowledge is the original transmission. According to Carfax I'm the sixth owner (I bought it from a lien sale, lucky me), and it was owned by various companies and maintained regularly until about 150,000 miles where the history drops off a cliff. I found a crack pipe in the door pocket once I got it home and a stash of drugs magnetized to the rear fender so I don't think the last owner gave her to much TLC.

When in neutral and at temperature the dipstick is a smidge above the top of the acceptable range, like a millimeter or two. The fluid is fairly red but definitely has a slight dark hue to it, and I've only driven about 150 miles or so since replacing the fluid. It does not smell burnt though.

 

You mentioned that there was a good bit of metal in the pan. How was the fluid before the fluid change?

With 205,000 miles, the age that's on it and crack-pipe maintenance (or lack thereof), it's likely time for a rebuild or a used unit to replace it. Still, far cheaper than a newer truck payment, as long as the rest of the truck is in relatively decent shape...

 

Well considering everything in the engine compartment (and I mean literally everything but the brake booster) is brand new, I just installed a new front end and rear suspension, completely refurbished the interior (including new dash from LMC truck), I guess a new transmission is the next logical step lol.

I just spent some time digging through my old photos to see if I have one of the pan, but it appears I failed to take one at the time, and only have photos of the broken accumulator spring that was in there, and what I believe to be a cracked rear servo? I just recall there being a thick metallic sludge completely covering the bottom of the pan where the magnets were, and some smaller chunks of metal, maybe about the size of a sesame seed.

 

Yeah, that's not a good sign. As you are putting a LOT of work into the truck, just rebuild the trans. If you did the motor yourself, you can do the trans as well. Save some money on labor that way.

 

After seeing that crack I don't know what possessed me to seal it back up again thinking everything would be okay, I guess was a little more naïve two years ago and certainly less mechanically experienced. I thankfully have a family friend who owns a transmission shop so I will likely go that route since I'll get the amigo special and won't have as much time going forward to do the rebuild myself. Thanks for the reply!

 

That's cheating.

 

Nothing like the Amigo Special

If you plan to keep the truck a good while, ask your trans rebuilder to "enhance" the transmission with a few quality parts. For example, some of the servo pistons are plastic and they really should be metal.

 

Get the level 2 viper rebuild kit from transmissioncenter.net.