are the bands in the auto trans on my 96 adjustable externally of the transmission or do i need to pull the pan which i need to do here shortly anyways and change my fluid out?

 

There are bands, and they are adjusted through the bottom after the pan is removed. Pick up a Haynes Manual # 30041 for about $15, and it will show you how this is done and provide the adjustment specifications. It is a real easy procedure.

 

Diesel tranny gurus I've talked to don't recommend routinely adjusting the bands, do it only if you are getting jerky 1st and reverse shifts. Getting the bands too tight will cause much more harm than good.

 

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmi...T_band_adj.htm

 

the bands are externally adjustable on your trans, but i agree with infidel, don't mess with them

 

I adjusted mine last winter, From what I recall one is on the outside(drivers side) one on the inside of tranny after dropping pan.

I think the key of gettin a decent band adjustment is having an accurate, calibrated torque wrench. Without that, I would not touch them.

As I understand it, the bands are simmilar to rear drum brake shoes, and when the band material wears, they must be readjusted to get the proper tension on them when they engage. Kinda like adjusting the rear brakes.

Mine worked fine after I adjusted, but I have also heard of horror stories

Cheers

 

One internal and one external adjustment. Torque wrench and experience required to do it per the book. Best if done by somebody with experience the first time and watch and learn.

 

When I had dropped my Tranny Pan to change out the fluid and filter, I was going to adjust the bands per dodgeram.orgs instructions, but couldnt find the adjusting bolt they were talking about. I found one that looked like it but It didnt have a slot for a T40 Torx like I was supposed to use, it had nothing, so I just left them. Gonna check up on the haynes Manual and see.

 

I agree with Infidel on band adjustments. My tranny has 147K miles and the bands have been adjusted once. This was done by Goerend at 73k when he had the tranny out for tc and vb mods.
Goerend is also not a big fan for adjusting bands just for the sake of doing it.