98 dodge ram 2500 5.9l 4x4 248k Automatic trans (not sure of the type)
I am mechanically inclined
the previous owner is a friend of mine and I believe this is the second trans. While I do occassionally tow a trailer, 3500 lbs, I am not hard on this truck.

i have had the truck approx 4 years and have done all the maintenance myself with the usual culprit repairs i.e heater core, water pump, bearings, etc, but never messed with the trans other than fluid level checks. BTW - i love this truck!
Issue:
Noticed the fluid was low when I changed the oil so I topped it off with royal purple MAX ATF. A side note, I was oblivious to checking it in nuetral after cycling through the gears so after checking the level correctly it was about a quart low. That being said I never have gotten a CEL or trans light. The fluid looks and smells normal. Normal viscosity and does not smell or look burnt.
Symptom:
when staring from a dead stop it hangs between 1st and 2nd. Sometimes it shifts fine, but lately the RPM's will hit 2500 at 25 MPH (driving normally) and then it will shift into 2nd and shift through the rest of the gears normally. When decelerating it shifts back to 1st normally. If I take off aggressively the RPM's skyrocket, a simple shift from Drive -Nuetral-Drive will make it shift to second and again the rest of the shifts are normal.
My plan:
fluid and filter (will use mopar atf w/ local retailer filter)
throttle valve cable check and adjustment
replace governor solenoid and pressure transducer
adjust the bands
Questions:
1.) do you use a pan gasket or the dealers RTV sealant? or both?
2.) is there a procedure for the TV cable adjustment? I didnt find it in the DIY section
3.) what replacement parts (name brand) for solenoid/ transducer should I use and is this a simple repair?
4.) I could not find the DIY for adjusting the bands, but do own a inch-pound torque wrench. Please send me the procedure.
5.) Is there a trans line check valve? if so where and can I simply remove it or should I keep it and clean it?
6.) I was thinking of using SeaFoam's trans tune prior to the fluid change to help remove any solidified gunk. Good idea or waste of money?

Ultimate Question:
Am I simply prolonging the inevitable?

As usual thanks for your input- you guys have helped me alot through the years.

 

The procedures for all of the things you want to do are in the DIY section.. Grab the service manual from there as well and everything will be in there.. Dont put any kind of seafoam or anything else in the trans besides ATF +4.... Borg warner is your best choice.. Just use a pan gasket and it should be fine.. also might be a good idea to put a drain plug in the pan while you are at it.. I will link the things you need when I locate them.

Link for service manual..
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html

Parts Manual.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...s-manuals.html

Check Valve delete
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...46rh-46re.html

That should be everything you need.

 

I would install a Sonax Sure Cure kit in VB as well.

 

did I mention you guys rock

 

looking at rock auto I do not see the pressure transducer. Anyone have a source for these parts?

 

Cascade transmission has the parts I need.
Question?

Should I change the 3-4 spring?
its cheap to get the upgrade and I will be in there anyways, but will it hurt it?

 

If it's an upgrade, then no. Shouldn't hurt anything.

 

the info from cascade basically says they have a tendancy to break because the oem spring is thin and their upgrade is thicker. What kind of engineering is behind this I do not know.


stats at 7:09

 

BTW which transmission filter do you prefer?

 

Good Luck with your adventure. My 99 1500 4x4 5.9 started the same way about 5montgs ago but has ended up so far being pure nightmare (in fact had tocall a tow truck last night).
Your torque spec is 72in lbs then loosing 2 7/8 turns for front, rear loosing 3 turns.
Also take it from someone who just went thru your exact symptoms(except I even replaced my bands), be sure to go ahead &flush entire system before assembling &putting in fluid. I didn't &now I have&am definitely paying for it.
Also check valve is lower line at the cooler.

I wish you the very best of luck!