Hope this isn't too long but I need a little help. I bought this truck and the tranny has 40k miles on it. It seems to drive fine when not pulling something. I pull my mowing trailer (6x12) loaded with mowers etc. and my spray trailer (200 gallon tank and spray rig). It takes a lot to get this thing moving with something behind it. The truck shifts into third at about 15mph.

I used my dads truck (05 powerstroke) to pull a 4 horse gooseneck and I honestly don't know if mine could pull this well. The truck has 227,000 miles and starts and runs perfect, it just doesn't pull well. I don't feel it hitting lockup (did in the powerstroke). I honestly didn't know what lockup was until I felt it in my dad's truck.

The question is, do I need a new tranny? While pulling today and turning around the temps hit about 300*. I know this isn't good but I was just turning around. Temps. going down the highway are about 180* empty but with a trailer they get up to 200* just cruising. Any help is appreciated!!

 

hi
300 is definatly NOT good .

180-200 fine

have you checked the fluid on the level when warm with trany in N engine running , set the park brake !

what is the color of fluid and does it have a burnt smell?

do a vb kit transgo tfod-diesel and fluid and filter change and band adj .

atf+4 fluid only !!!

 

I changed the fluid and filter at 222k. The fluid level I believe is good. At least it was about 1k miles ago.

 

Transmissions should never, under any circumstances, go above 250F. Oil films on internal components at that temp are likely history, not to mention oil itself will be breaking down. If you even suspect it's been that hot, get that fluid out and replaced as a first step.

Sadly, you're looking at replacing what is arguably the weakest link of the 2nd gen truck. It's going to be enough to make your eyes roll over in thier sockets, but as my signature says, these trucks are very expensive to own and maintain. Good luck...

 

Check the tranny fluid level on flat ground, engine running and warm, and tranny in neutral. It makes a big difference in your reading.

 

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I agree with what DTR Member 96_12V is telling you. I would add that it sounds to me like your truck's transmission torque converter is starting to slip some or has been slipping. From experience with my 96' 12 valve, I can tell you it doesn't take much! If the torque converter is the problem in there, the trouble with that is the slipping cause alot of head build-up which is then transferred back into the clutch packs in the tranny and causes more problems there. I would do a "stall-test" and see if that TC is slipping and if so, replace at least the TC and valve body.

Good luck.

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John_P

 

Thanks guys for the input. John P how do you perform a "stall test"? I will search and see if I can find it.

 

Hmm, if hes referring to what I think..
You can simply put it in gear and push on the break pedal and then push on the skinny pedal and see if what it revs too, this shows stall speed.

Also I would NEVER take a transmission over 210 degrees.
I do not know why manufactures make tranny temp gauges start in the 100's and go to 300's.
At anything over 210 you're asking for trouble, at 300 you're melting your thrust washers and seals...

 

mmm... I wouldn't try the stall test on a stock tranny if it means to hold the brake and push the gas.

 

Checked the fluid and it is right in the middle of the "ok" mark. It smells ok but looks a little less red than before. Is the converter slipping and causing all the heat? I have heard about how well these trucks pull but I just don't feel it in mine. Is there anyone around the OKC area that has a truck similar to mine. I would like to see if I am just expecting too much out of it.

 

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jknowles:

DTR Member Troutstrannysvc is telling you right on how to do it. You don't have to give it much fuel to see if the TC is slipping, you'll know right away as the engine will rev up real fast like nothing is holding it.

 

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Another easy thing you can do jk is to drain some of the fluid out into a clean container (so you can reuse it if needed) drop the pan and see if you have alot of clutch material in the bottom of the pan. It will usually look like small dark particles and it is heavier than the fluid, so it goes to the bottom. IF that is seen, I HIGHLY recommend doing something right away. If you do see that stuff there, chances are it is also in the transmission as well as the transmission coolers and it will only get worse over time until the transmission finally quits completely.

 

Thanks again guys. I will try the stall test tomorrow. In the next few days I will get to draining the fluid and dropping the pan.

 

Stall test? All this time I been stall testing? Here I thought I was doing hole shots.....

 

a stock converter wont hold much more power than what it came from the factory with. my first mod was a fuel plate and half throttle could slip the converter pretty bad. from the sound of it you have been toasting your converter for a while which would explain exessive heat. i would look into a valve body and a tripple disc converter. since youve had your tranny to 300* before i would get seals and clutches replaced. maybe a goerend tranny would be the best way to go considering all the stuff you would have to go over in your tranny.