Ok...I have about 80,000 miles on my tranny...Just did a fluid and filter service ( as it was time and shifting was getting kinda rough ). The Pan looked clean...hardly any metal at all...this service seemed to improve things...but shifting is still a little rough between 1st and 2nd.

I have read posts on adjusting BANDS ( front and rear ) and I have also spoke with Performance Shops and the Local Dodge Dealer. The Service Rep from the dealer says "We don't adjust bands during routine transmission server, bands are weak these days, compared to many years ago...and don't need to be adjusted...they just go bad ?"

QUESTIONS:
1. Should I adjust the bands ?
2. Has anyone found that an aftermarket VALVE BODY improved shifting performance ?
3. Any recommendations and the most cost effective way to get my trans back to close to normal...barrring a complete new transmission ?

Thanks,

 

If you have 80,000, you should have adjusted the bands 2 times already, and now you are 10,000 away from your 3rd adjustment.
If the dealer said not to adjust them, get it in writing so you have recourse if something happens.
If you have little sludge in the pan, that to me would be a sign that they need to be adjusted. Also, it is better to run the open type element filter in the trans. There is a Trans-Go(?) shift kit you can get, but I do not know anything about them.

Mike

 

Here are the instructions on how to adjust the bands.

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

Specs should be:
1999 (should be the same for your late 98)
Front Band
47RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 1 7/8 turns

Rear Band
47RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

It's not difficult, but it will be absolutely necessary to have an INCH POUND torque wrench.

You will need to drop the pan.

edit: More specs.
94+ Automatic Transmission Bolt and Nut Torque Specs

Front band adjustment locknut - 30 ft-lb
Rear band adjustment locknut - 25 ft-lb
Transmission pan bolts - 13 ft-lb

 

Marine and Shovelhead,

Thanks for your input...and the instructions...

My trust in dealers dwindles everytime I call them...

Heck...I put my own lift pump on because I didn't even want to deal with warranty work nightmares...

 

No problem. Make sure you get a high quality INCH POUND torque wrench. The click type work best. The bands are finicky if you do not get the right torque.
Mike

 

I am in the middle of adjusting my rear band and I cannot get the adjustment screw to 72 in pounds before the lock nut stops it, even with the lock nut as loose at it will go! Its apart now and I need some input on what the problem may be so that I can get the truck back together. HELP!!!!!!!!!!

 

Not trying to be a smart aleck, but.....
Are you absolutely sure you're using an INCH pound torque wrench?

Ed

 

Yepp, absolutly positive, I checked that a numer of times myself. I can screw it up in pretty far with just my fingers!!!!!!!!

 

VERY strange.
When I adjust mine, I have to back the locknut off about 7 or 8 turns, then back almost the same number after backing out the screw the proper number of turns.

Was there a problem with the trans before you started the tranny service?

 

No problem, just doining a full seervice of stuff for 60,000 mile. Should I maybe try removing the lock nut completly then tightening and then putting the lock nut back on after i back out the adjustment screw 3 turns?

 

It's baffleing me as to why the screw seems to be turning that far down.
Might be worth a shot though.
If it doesn't work, you'll need to drop the pan again though......

 

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I have heard of autos going out premature for lack of band adjustment. You may want to just get as close as you can and try it because it should still be much closer than it was. just my.002

 

Drop the pan to be sure that the band actuating mechanism did not drop. I think if you loosen it to much it can drop out of place.

 

I second the band tensioner dropped theory: If it had been that loose you would have noticed it before- couldn't have held.

Drop the pan and look into it.

AlpineRAM