Hello, new to forum, new to being a Dodge cummins owner.<br><br>Just picked up a 1997 2500, ext cab, 2wd, auto trans.<br>I have been reading this forum for about a week, and understand the trans is a &quot;weak link&quot;. Mine has 94,000 miles on it, seems to function fine but have not towed anything yet. Fluid looks old but does not smell burnt. Does look overfilled by previous owner.<br><br>I want to change out the fluid and filter, I will do a complete flush using the cooler line and bucket method. But while I'm at it, I would like to check/adjust bands, check adjust pressure, and anything else that is suggested. Search feature did not reveal much. <br><br>I would really like to upgrade the trans and am saving my pennies for such. Just want to get it ready for towing a 6000 lb 5th wheel and want to do all that I can till it's time to replace. Trans temp gauge will be installed also. <br><br>BTW is ATF 3 the same as dexron/mercron 3? (Sorry, this is my first dodge) Also, owners manual for this vehicle states &quot;atf 2 for auto trans&quot; any comments? <br><br>Thanks, Kevin

 

Kevin, while you are working on the tranny, boost the line pressure a bit to save the clutches. The autos are not really as bad as some people claim. Just do not lug the engine down when towing or use the lock-up for low speed acceleration and the tranny will likely last a long time.<br>Once you start to bomb, however, all bets are off!

 

Smokey, thanks for the repley. I do want to boost the pressure as well, but unfortunately, this is new to me. I have rebuilt gasser engines, and am a decent motorcycle mechanic/restorer. However, auto trannies have always seemed to be a &quot;mystical voodoo&quot; that I never picked up. My exposure to diesels is only from owning a Jeta TDI for about a year. Just maintenence issues so far. I want to give this truck a good once over, starting with the tranny.<br><br>I checked the FAQ and was not able to find the how to for either. I did a search and found references to band adjustment and line pressure increases, but not the how to part of it. I will be picking up a manual next week, any suggestions for a manual?<br><br>Any info that can be thrown my way will be usefull. <br> <br>Thanks, Kevin<br>

 

Welcome KD! I think you can confuse the computer by changing line pressure in the trans and you end up setting a fault code along with a Check Engine light. Don't know how much adjusting you can get away with. Just rebuilt my 95 auto with parts from DTT and I wish I had done it sooner.<br><br>http://www.dieseltrans.com/<br><br>Tony

 

There are instructions for the line pressure on the site that Tony gave you, DTT<br><br>Boosting the pressure won't affect the comp on your '97.

 

Thanks, the link to dtt provided me the info with checking pressures. I picked up a manual and it explains how to adjust the bands. <br><br>I have been looking for atf 3. Have been able to locate it in quart bottles, but not in larger one gallon or two gallon containers. No problem finding dexron III . Oh well I'll keep looking or bite the bullet and pay $3.00 a quart. I believe I read 16 quarts. <br><br>Have been scrubbing the snot out of the new to me truck. Engine compartment is nice and clean, seats are out of the truck, half the carpet is as clean as I can get it. I don't think the previous owner new what a vacume is. <br><br>Discovered wet carpet on the passenger side, I believe it's from the A/C. Got it lifted up with a fan on it. Will look a little closer tommorrow, I think a little sealant where it goes through the firewall will fix it. I found the drain elbow, but no down pipe (drain) on it. Will adapt and overcome. Thanks again, Kevin