I've got a '98 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 with the 318. Driving at higher speeds the overdrive works some of the time. when it shifts into overdrive you can usually feel two shift points. one large shift down and then a small shift. Mine makes the large shift everytime, but most of the time it won't continue on down. that means when driving at around 70 mph the engine is at 2200 - 2500 rpm instead of around 2000 rpm. any ideas why?

kevin

 

Sounds like the torque converter isnt engaging to me.

 

I have a 98 Ram 1500 4X4 ext cab and have the same prob with it, I have the 5.9L and it was making me crazy on my long trip. It would not hold 70 to 75 mph without running at 2500rmp, but it I kick it up to 85 mph it the rpms drop to 2000. Well I just wanted to set the cruise and go at 75, but I got tired of the truck running 2500 and became pain as I would jump up to 85 rmps drop the slowly back the speed to 75 and then gear shift and rmps up again.

I have no idea what to do, I talked to a dodge tech guy at a dealer and he said there is away to change the shift points and that would take care of it, not sure what he is talking about but that is what he said.

 

He doesn't know what he is talking about, there are no ways to change OD shift point. Sounds like T/C is slipping or the solenoid is going out.

 

Has anybody seen or used this O/D lockout switch? here is the link to ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT

 

The guy is trying to scare folks into buying something they don't need. These transmissions are not prone to OD failure. In the hundreds of transmissions from this series I've built I only replaced 1 OD unit. That is usually the only part of the trans that doesn't need anything when you open it.

 

Thanks Dodgemechanic, but does that mean I CAN TOW my 5,000 lb boat in overdrive? I don't think so. Also, do you think this gadget could screw anything up? I'm just barely out of warranty on my 2001 quad 5.9L gas? Thanks Bill