I've been wanting to buy a D350 or W350 for a few years, and it looks like I will soon get the chance finaly get my dream truck. Ever since I have been looking for one of bad boys I have shyed away from the autos, I have heard bad things about them blowing TCs really easy. Especally if you drive the way I do (right foot planted at every light or stop sign takeoff). I am wanting to bomb the truck out when I get it, but I don't want any trans. problems out of it. I've been through that once before in my short life, and it made me want to drive the car off a cliff. I have a friend who is a mopar trans tech. and he said the 3 speeds are no good, but the 4 speeds were cool as long as you don't tow in OD. Can you guys give me some advice about this?

 

i tow in OD. i just watch the temps. i almoast have to tow in od to stay above 60 or so. but i drop it out on any hill or grade. i have leared gauges ar eyour friend. as is regular maintence(fluid change)

jiMMy

 

what are safe operating temps for that trany?

 

Automatic Transmission Fluid Oxidation
Automatic transmission fluid will provide 100,000 miles of service before oxidation occurs under normal operating temperatures of about 170°F. Above normal operating temperatures, the oxidation rate doubles (useful life of fluid is cut in half) with each 20° increase in temperature.

The approximate life expectancy at various temperatures is as follows:


175°F 100,000 miles
195°F 50,000 miles
212°F 25,000 miles
235°F 12,000 miles
255°F 6,250 miles
275°F 3,000 miles
295°F 1,500 miles
315°F 750 miles
335°F 325 miles
355°F 160 miles
375°F 80 miles
390°F 40 miles
415°F Less than 30 minutes


This information clearly shows why transmission oil coolers and the various maintenance intervals are recommended for severe usage.

Above 300°F, the metals inside the transmission will warp and distort in varying degrees depending on the severity of overheat. Because this damage occurs and fluid life is so seriously impaired, rocking out of snow, mud or sand should never exceed a very few minutes.

 

the auto in my 93 w250 was great never even hickuped once and i abused the snot out of it doing donuts on pavement and the whole 9 yards just keepin the rice at bay lol . Out on I-25 did 80 all the time . The 3 speed is a 727 with is a good trans aswell and the over drive one is a 518 witch is a 727 with a overdrive in it so no big dif thear . In 94 they changed to the 46 i think but dont hold me to that but eather way you should be good . If it is itme for a rebuld make sure you get good parts that is the best way to make them last after a rebuild is to spend a few extra $$ and up grade . At that time to make it buletproof if it has not ben done yet but the gertrag has it's down side aswell . So it is all about what you want and need out of this truck i am looking at a 93 D350 with the gertrag for $2500 it will do the job for me for now till i get a nother W truck good luck and enjoy what ever you chose

 

I just replaced my 84 D350 2WD auto because I have had to have the 727 rebuilt twice and the 360 replaced. I dont abuse them, have a big cooler, and reg maintainance. It just cant handle pulling across KS( which isnt as flat as you may think...) got it for sale still if yer lookin.........

 

No Thanx. No 2wds for me in Colorado, it's just not as much fun when your truck can't get up hills in the snow.

 

What is the difference between the D350 and the W350??

 

one is 4wd and the other is 2wd

 

D = 2wd, W =4X4

 

I tow in OD, but I switch out of OD if the RPMs start dropping. If I'm pulling 12,000 lbs. my tranny temp will climb up to 220 degrees. I think I'm going to install an extra cooler to keep it lower.

Boojie I will sell you my w350 x-cab