I'm thinking about tackling this myself. How hard is this to do? I've never torn into a tranny before. How much fluid am I gonna need? Is there any other place to buy ATF+4 other than the dealer? How about the filter? I'm also thinking about adjusting the bands while I'm in there. I've got an inch pound wrench and a bunch of wrenches, allen wrenches, and sockets. What else am I gonna need? Thanks for the help yall.

 

Fluid & filter is easy to change, just very messy. Not sure of the fluid quantities. I always buy 5 gallons at a time! I never buy oil or fluids by the quarts! Unless it a dealer thing...

As far as I know the ATF+4 is a dealer ONLY item. I can't seem to find it around here at the NAPA stores. I was going to put ATF+4 in my transfer case but found out I didn't need it.

As for adjusting the bands. I've never done it yet. I known my Mom's 96 is going to need it next time it gets a fluid change...

 

Valvoline has a new ATF out, ATF Extreme? or something like that.
It says it meets or exceeds all ATF specs, including ATF+4.

I just put 4 quarts in mine, replacing that which drained out when I was reinstalling my temp probe to keep it from dripping.

Got it at Autozone, Checker didn't have it when I swung by there.


phox

 

Thanks phox and Mopar. What all is involved in replacing the filter? Remove the pan, make a big mess, and then what?

 

The filter is held on by a few torx head screws.

I loosened the bolts attaching the valve body on my last tranny service, letting the VB drop down about 1/4 inch, and let it drip for about an hour.
Tightened everything back up, Adjusted the bands, installed new filter, and buttoned her up.

It took 12 qts to get it back to the full mark (including the two top-offs due to "burping" air bubbles over the next two days)

Band Adjustment Instructions


Hint: use a LARGE Drain Pan, and place cardboard under the truck before starting. (it's easier to throw away the cardboard, than scrub ATF off of your driveway.)

 

12 qts?!? Jeez man. I didn't realize that much fluid would come out of the pan. I'm still a little nervous with adjusting the bands. Is it really as easy as the instructions make it sound? When I get underneath it to look at it, will I know instantly that I've got the right bolt?

 

One of the bolts is on the outside of the transmission...The other is inside....

It's easy to spot.. It should be the only ones with a jam nut.

Oh make sure your wear you grubby clothes... It it is messy job.. The VB with drip and drool all down your arm... You might have to grab a rag and go eat something and come back after it's done drooling all over...

Yes! I VERY LARGE pan is needed... 5 Gallon bucket cut in half won't work...

 

You won't get that much unless you lower the valve body.

The tolerances aren't all that critical as far as backing off the required number of turns.
An 1/8 of a turn difference won't be a show stopper.
"Pretty close" should be good enough.
Remember 72 inch pounds.

You see which adjustments are which when you get under the truck with the pan off (and you wipe the ATF out of your eyes)

 

Most diesel tranny gurus recommend not messing with the band adjustment unless you have slippage.
It really shouldn't be considered routine maintenance.
More damage can be done by overtightening than by just leaving it alone. My stock tranny went 212k without adjusting the bands once.

 

My tranny isn't slipping as far as I know. There's no shuddering at all even with the comp on. I just figured since it's got 80k miles on it with a bunch of power braking and I've only changed the fluid once (I know, I know) that they could probably use it. Thanks a bunch for the help yall. I'm gonna call the dealer and see how much they want for the fluid and filter. I'll let yall know how it goes.

 

Tip regarding the mess. Try using a old plastic trash can lid, cut a hole in the middle and place it on top of your oil catch. Or put a drain plug in your pan...

 

Just talked to the dealer. $19.86/gal for fluid. And I'm planning on changing as much out as possible so it looks like I'm gonna be buying 3 gallons. The price was better than I thought it was gonna be.

phox, I asked them about that valvoline stuff and he said he'd never heard of it but if I wanted to keep my extended warranty, it would be a good idea to go ahead and buy the correct fluid from them.

 

Of course he's never heard of it, he has the monopoly on ATF+4

Probably a good idea to use the actual Chrysler ATF+4, for the warranty.

I'm not sure of the name of the Valvoline fluid, it was mentioned here in one of the 3rd gen forums if you want to do a search.


phox

 

So how about putting new fluid in? Dont you have to have the engine running or something. I'm thinking that I need to do the oil, filter, and band adjustments too because it slips on me sometimes. I noticed it only tends to slip when its first started and driven the first few minutes that its been on. I added some Lucas "non-slip" oil conditioner to it the other day, and it didnt seem to do much for slipping. But it doesnt seem to slip at all once it warms?

 

Reason it probably slips when it's cold is the fluid is trying to pump through the system. When the truck sits, the fluid starts draining back to the pan. The pump doesn't pump except in neutral and drive. That's why on really cold morning, I let it idle in neutral for a minute or two to help get the fluid moving. I'm also very easy on it for the first 5 or so miles just to make sure the fluid is fully pumped through the system. I'm gonna try shovelheads method of lowering the VB and letting it drip for an hour to try and get as much fluid out as possible. I'm also gonna let the truck sit overnight to be sure as much of the fluid as possible has been drained out of the system.