I'm looking at a 99 1500 4x4 with a 360. Everybody tells me to beware of the Dodge transmission. Were the problems fixed by this model? Or should I be leary?

 

you should be leary all the way until the new body style - 03' and newer......a lot of time the tranys give issue b/c of lack of maint and other time you don't know and it just goes...

 

So should I avoid a truck from this generation? I'm looking for a good daily driver.

 

The only way to avoid the problems is to buy a new truck and change the fluid every 20,000 miles.

Seriously though, if the truck was maintained you shouldn't have an issue. I've heard the whole deal before...Dodge has bad transmissions...how can you keep a Chrysler out of the trans shop...never buy a Dodge. Let me give you a rundown on the Chrysler products that have been in my family.

1979 Dodge Ramcharger - Bought with 80,000 on it - Currently has 125,000 miles - Last 45,000 miles have been 85% hauling firewood and plowing snow (hard on a trans). - Fluid was only changed once...bands NEVER adjusted - Finally blew the reverse band last winter.

1986 Dodge Diplomat - Bought with 20,000 miles on it - Scrapped at 156,000 miles - NEVER had a problem. Changed the fluid and filter every 40,000 miles.

1988 Dodge 600 - Bought with 5,000 miles on it - Scrapped at 165,000 - NEVER had a problem with the transmission. Changed the fluid and filter every 40,000 miles.

1991 Dodge Dakota - Bought with 65,000 miles on it - Sold with 100,000 - NEVER had a problem with the transmission. Changed the fluid and filter twice.

1992 Dodge Grand Caravan - Bought with 56,000 miles on it - Currently sitting at 156,000 - NEVER had a problem with the transmission. Changed the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles.

1992 Plymouth Acclaim - Bought with 30,000 miles on it - Currently sitting at 168,000 - NEVER had a problem with the transmission. Changed the fluid and filter every 25,000 miles.

1992 Chrysler New Yorker - Bought with 70,000 miles on it - Totalled with 110,000 - NEVER had a problem with the transmission. Changed the fluid and filter once.

1994 Dodge Ram 2500 - Bought with 135,000 miles on it - Sitting at 142,000 - Drove it from Florida back to Wisconsin when I bought it - Only transmission problem has been a leaky converter seal. - Shifts are nice and firm...no whines, jerks, or slips. - I've done a few burn-outs, including the one in my sig without issue. - Tows a trailer like there's nothing behind the truck. I don't expect to have any problems for quite some time. I will be installing a deep pan and synthetic Amsoil when I replace the leaky seal.

2001 Dodge Intrepid - Bought with 16,000 miles on it - Sitting at 44,000 - Haven't had a problem with the transmission. - Changed the fluid and filter once.

Whenever people try to tell me that Dodge has a transmission issue, I bring up the long list of Chrysler vehicles my family has owned. We also had an old 70s Polara and a '79 St. Regis, but I don't have any mileage records anywhere and I can't remember well enough to even guesstimate.

EVERY car brand has automatic transmission problems, especially with front wheel drives. I hear all the time about problems with the Pontiac Grand Prixs and their transmissions. I own 6 of them, one of which I go bombing through the woods with like it was a truck, and it's only STARTING to have some slippage at 176,000 miles.

It's all about MAITENANCE! That's the BIGGEST cause for transmission failure in the Ram...or ANY other vehicle for that matter. Most people ignore it, or claim they don't have time for it. The problem is, if you don't take the time and spend the money now....it's going to cost you MORE money and MORE time later on down the road.

And the problem with used vehicles is most of the time you can never be too sure what you're getting. It's nice of they have all the maitenance records. Or if you can look at the truck and see that it's in great condition. If someone keeps the interior/paint/wheels clean, chances are they kept up on maitenance. But it's still a gamble...buying used always is. Sometimes...even buying new is [&:]
</rant>

Do you need the capabilities of a truck for your DD? If not, I'd suggest going with something else. These trucks aren't exactly light on gas [&:]

As far as should you buy one? Well, you'll have to look at the truck and see what kind of condition it's in. Like I said, that can tell you a lot about how it's been maintained. You also didn't tell us a lot about it. Like mileage? Does it have large tires on? Does it look like it's been wheeled? Has there been any modifications made to it? Does it have a receiver hitch? Is the hitch all beat up like it's been towed with a lot? Things like that can tell you quite a bit about a truck

 

Sorry. It appears stock. Towing package with moderate use on reciever. Looks ok, but I've only seen pictures. It's a short bed extended cab. 109k miles

 

That's not too bad mileage wise. I'd go take a look at it in person if you can, and maybe take it for a test drive. Make sure you go far enough to warm the truck up.

 

I'm the original owner of a 99' 2500 4x4 and put 100k miles on it befor its only major repair. Tranny went south so I had it rebuilt . Other than that it 's been a solid and very reliable ride.

My advise - Take Mr. Burnings advise

 

96-97-98 Some changes to valves body/pump starting with 99 models, but as ROM says they all have issues one time or another.

 

Contact these people in Canada

http://dieseltrans.com/dodge/index.htm

and ask them who the 'authorized shop' to install DT parts is in your area.
This authorized shop will be better trained and experienced than the run of the mill shop.

Then take any potential used truck you intend to purchase to that authorized shop
and ask them to check out the health of that automatic transmission.

A good shop will take the truck for a test drive with gauges hooked up to test line pressure, etc.
They will also drop the pan and look over the internals and check the magnet for what is sticking to it.
Expect to pay $150 to $200 for a check out like this but it is worth it if the truck is out of warranty.

Play up the transmission reliability problem big time with the seller.
Say that you need him to drop the price $1500 because that is what it will take to rebuild the trans, etc.
Bargain hard this way.

1992-1995 46RH automatics have problems with defective internal piston seals
1996-2001 46RE automatics have problems with VFS solenoid

All 46 automatics have trouble with 'burnouts' due to the overrunning clutch and bushing
when the tires 'catch' traction in a jolt.
The more burnouts the previous owner did the shorter the trans life

 

I have a 98 ram, only has 65,000 miles and the transmission is going out. I've changed fluids every 25,000 miles. I figure I'll need to have it replaced soon so I think I'll trade it in for a new dodge. Ive had this truck since 99 and this is the only problem i've had with it so other than the transmission i love my truck.