i don't have reverse unless i am on level ground and even then it is weak, it is non existent on any grades.
it went from being perfect to bad instantly, it was not a gradual decline i would get if the bands were out of adjustment.
it is starting to downshift at random times on the highway and in town it will kick in and out of higher gears while accelerating.
fluid is full and was changed with the filter a few thousand miles ago.
it has a slight burnt smell to it already.
the solenoids and sensor in the pan were done a few thousand miles ago.
the van has 283K miles, i am not sure if the transmission was ever rebuilt.
i am trying now to save up so i can buy a good used transmission to install.
nice thing about B3500 vans is they have a nice height to them so the job is not all that bad to do.

 

Sounds like you need a rebuild. Rock aUTO, aUTOZONE, Jasper sell them if you give yours in as a core. You could take it to Cottman and let them do it for aroound $2500. Lots of kits available for diy on ebay, amazon or WIT (whatever it takes). Good luck.

 

i am pricing around now for the best option.
i am going to be taking the transmission out this coming week when we have good weather.
i found one with free shipping to any shop for $1,700 rebuilt and they take my core at the time they drop off the rebuilt.

 

Does sound like your tranny is toast. I would check a local salvage yard you could find a decent used unit for $500-$1000. If your van is in exception overall condition maybe a rebuilt is worth the expense. We parted ways with our former 96 pass wagon it was very rusty underneath.


You are correct the tranny can be dropped with the van resting on it's wheels on a level surface just chock the wheels well. I replaced a flex plate on my back in the driveway.

 

Congrats That a long time for a first tranny.

At that mileage, you will have pump issues, TC issues, worn valve body springs etc...a used or rebuilt is in your future.

 

i am going to be going with a rebuilt.
i plan on putting a lot of miles on the van and i would rather start off with a fresh transmission instead of always wondering when the used one was going to fail.

it is between $1,300 and $1,800 for a rebuilt, right now i am looking at which company uses the best frictions and plates and other replacement wear parts.
also want to go with a company that runs it on a dyno before they ship it out.

i have put a lot of work into this van, i got the suspension in the rear up where it belongs, 4 new tires and alignment, new rear shocks, new calipers, pads and rotors in the front, one new brake hose, full tune and fresh fluids.
i got it with a new water pump, alternator, belt and battery.
i don't know if any major work was put into the engine but it sounds really good and is really strong for 283K miles.

 

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dodge.htm

 

Others have commented they had rebuild quotes up to and over $2k so if you can get a rebuild you trust for ~ $1300-$1800 that is a no brainier.