440727

I was looking at a 1994 Dodge 3500, auto, 2wd, with 140k.

I went to test drive the truck and put it in D and the truck won't move. I checked to make sure the truck was in gear. I then gave the truck a half pedal or so and the truck finally moved.

I'm thinking its the torque converter. After test driving the truck I checked the tranny fluid and noticed the fluid was like bubbling/foamy.

What's you all's opinions ?

Thanks guys !

infidel

It takes quite a while for the torque converter to fill if the truck has been sitting more than a day or two.
It won't fill in P, has to be in N or gear.
Foaming fluid usually indicates overfilled with fluid but you really need to drive and get the fluid warmed up well before checking the level in N or D with the engine running.

440727

What are some signs of the trans going on a truck ?

I know the truck has 4.10's but the truck seemed sluggish.

Thanks !

Diesel4blood

At 4.10 it should have plenty of get up and go torque! A trannt going "bad" will usually be slipping between gears, hunting for high gear, Fluid that is burnt brown instead of translucent red, metal flakes and shavings in the oil pan, engine racing at a high rpm like its under no load when truck is in gear, etc.....

I suspect the Trans fluid is lowI'd let it idle in neutral and add fluid until it reads full and then take it for a dive watching for the above symptomes. Good luck.............

440727

Its at a dealership so I think they recently changed the tranny fluid since its so red and clear.

I've driven several 1st gens and this was the first '94 that I've driven.

I thought the truck was a dead pig. Reasoning being that I put it to the floor a couple of times and it was slow and shifted smooth. It only jerked when shifting in or out of OD.

I guess I'm used to the way a 1gen shifts where you feel every shift.

Is this normal for an early 2nd gen ?

Thanks,
Mike

infidel

Depends on how the tranny is adjusted and what type of fluid is used.
'94s are all dogs when stock but a few free modifications will wake them right up.

440727

So do you think it would be safe to buy the truck with what I have stated so far ?

I know the previous owner I know pulled a 5th wheel around Ohio and Kentucky which is mostly flat. How much 5th wheel towing I don't know.

Thanks guys !

Diesel4blood

It depends on how Good of a price you can get! I know mine runs well at 176083 miles, but I have 33.73 gears! If you take into account and calculate rpairs into your purchase price, you should be fine