I have a 2001 1500 conversion van with a 5.9 that has not had the trans fluid/filter changed or any trans adjustments. Based on a few comments it sounds easy enough. Can someone recomend a good manual that would walk me through it and any personal helpful hints. By all means I want to do it right so if you think I should take it to a mechanic let me know.
Thanks/Jim

 

The Haynes repair manual which is available at most any auto parts store, has all the steps and specifications in it.

 

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/__?_from...manual&_sacat=

Is there a drivability condition that has you thinking about servicing the transmission?

The average life of Dodge Van transmissions seems to be in the 130k mile range.

Best things you can do to extend this.

Use only ATF+4. Most tranny shops will not use the correct fluid.
Add an external cooler if one does not exist.
Drop the pan, adjust the bands, change the filter, clean the magnet.

Add a magnefine filter to the return line from the radiator's tranny cooler.
The magnefine filters to 30 microns where the inside the pan filter is good to about 90 microns. It has a bypass if it gets clogged, and a strong magnet too.

 

And later if you can find a Factory Service Manual off of like ebay then it will even have better information than a Haynes or Chilton's. Don't get me wrong the Haynes does show step by step on how to change fluid/filter and adjust the bands on these transmissions but there is much more information on other repairs that deal with your single year van and not several years as the Haynes or Chilton's do. Don't be in a hurry if you only see one on there and it is high priced. Many of us have found them on ebay for between 10-30 dollars shipped.

 

has any body had any problems with tranny cooler lines from radiator to transmission bursting. it happened twice already and i think it could be something more than just replaceing the line. thx

 

Which part of the line, fittings, steel line, rubber line? Vibration can weaken the fittings and steal lines or mounting clips can rub holes in the lines. Age and heat can damage the rubber lines.

 

rubber lines

 

What type of rubber line did you put back on there? And did the same rubber hose blow twice?

 

oops forgot this was a van forum

 

oh ho oh!!!!