transmission concerns and problem prevention

[sdamike]

I just bought a 2004 Ram QC 1500 with the 5.7. It has 111K miles on it. Skimming thru the forums there seems to be enough tranny problems which has me a little worried. That being said how many miles do you have and have you had any problems?

Also what would be good prevention to avoid transmission problems?

Thanks for the time and input!

 

[OlDirtyJohn]

you wont really see many problems if you dont push it too hard. ie, heavy towing constantly, hard downshifts into 2 prime frequently, driving it like you stole it all the time, or just putting too much power to it...

that being said, you dont really need to baby it either. it is a good transmission, all of the other vehicles that use the same tranny love it, and dont have many problems with it.

things you should do to prevent problems, aside from the before mentioned, are : keep your fluid level correct, use correct fluid in it ATF +4, change at the recommended service intervals or sooner, and dont let it overheat. Change BOTH filters out when changing fluid. there is a spin on, and a sump filter.

personally, I avoid those jiffy lube type tranny flushes, especially on a higher mileage vehicle. just simply drop the pan, replace the filters, and fill her back up. I've heard that there are some pretty good tutorials about transmissions in the DIY section here if you have any questions.

 

[smiley]

you wont really see many problems if you dont push it too hard. ie, heavy towing constantly, hard downshifts into 2 prime frequently, driving it like you stole it all the time, or just putting too much power to it...

that being said, you dont really need to baby it either. it is a good transmission, all of the other vehicles that use the same tranny love it, and dont have many problems with it.

things you should do to prevent problems, aside from the before mentioned, are : keep your fluid level correct, use correct fluid in it ATF +4, change at the recommended service intervals or sooner, and dont let it overheat. Change BOTH filters out when changing fluid. there is a spin on, and a sump filter.

personally, I avoid those jiffy lube type tranny flushes, especially on a higher mileage vehicle. just simply drop the pan, replace the filters, and fill her back up. I've heard that there are some pretty good tutorials about transmissions in the DIY section here if you have any questions.

Agree with this never had a transmission problem and I simply maintain my truck.


$miley

 

[03MopaRamman]

John explained it Pefectly. I always avoid 2nd gear prime (Longer 2nd Gear used for and engaged when hammering the gas for HWY passing), use Tow/Haul and or Manual Downshifting on my B&M for the extra push when needed. My Tranny has 265K KM (165K Miles).

 

[sdamike]

thanks for the input, good info to know and thanks making me feel a lot more confident in this truck

Just to clarify to avoid 2nd prime if I was on the highway and I needed to pass someone, i would put into tow / haul mode, then floor it? Tow / haul mode will knockout overdrive so no matter what speed you would never hit 2nd prime, is that correct?

If my only plans are intake, exhaust, efan and tuner, Do you guys think theres any point to a sonnax line booster or transgo shift kit or a deeper pan or better trans. cooler? And if it matters, The most I would be really ever be towing is 2-3K lbs on a smaller enclosed trailer

Sorry if these are all newb questions, this is my first real truck and I want to make sure it lasts. Thanks alot for the help!

 

[03MopaRamman]

When you press the Button wait a second for your revs to Bump up then push the Pedal is one method and/or drop it into 2nd manually which will allow you to control how long you want to be in 2nd. I have to watch downshifting in Mine cause if I am already rolling too fast then the revs really jump as I do have 4.56 Gears. Just try it next time your out on the road, 40, 50 and 60 MPH will give you a feel. With a column shifter you do have to be careful when upshifting back into D.

Good Mod Choices. You have an 04 (Great Year) so I think w/SC Tuner you will have Trans Tuning. A sonnax will help and check your current Trans Cooler. 14 Rows is the first version of the HD 2500 cooler after that its the bigger one that came out that covers most of the rad, so if you don't have 14 rows you should find a bigger cooler at the wreckers. Easy to swap out (10) minutes.

 

[sdamike]

When you press the Button wait a second for your revs to Bump up then push the Pedal is one method and/or drop it into 2nd manually which will allow you to control how long you want to be in 2nd. I have to watch downshifting in Mine cause if I am already rolling too fast then the revs really jump as I do have 4.56 Gears. Just try it next time your out on the road, 40, 50 and 60 MPH will give you a feel. With a column shifter you do have to be careful when upshifting back into D.

Good Mod Choices. You have an 04 (Great Year) so I think w/SC Tuner you will have Trans Tuning. A sonnax will help and check your current Trans Cooler. 14 Rows is the first version of the HD 2500 cooler after that its the bigger one that came out that covers most of the rad, so if you don't have 14 rows you should find a bigger cooler at the wreckers. Easy to swap out (10) minutes.

Thanks again for the input, I will check the cooler and try to pick up a sonnax too. Working on getting a tuner but I will be lost with the trans tuning...guess that will be another post !