Ok now I am confused! I called 2 local transmission shops about getting my tranny fluid and filter changed and bands adjusted like posters here recommend. Both shops told me that unless I was having problems not to change anything, fluid included! They both told me there are no adjustments to any bands that can be made except for reverse. Are these statements true, or are both shops stupid? BTW I have a 99 3500 and really would like to know if the factory tranny is still in there or has it been swapped out prior to my ownership. Are there any ways to tell???

 

Sounds like they'd rather sell you a re-build than a service. :

The fluid changes are a neccessary maintenance, the band adjustments, (yes there are more than one)........maybe, some folks don't adjust every fluid change, some only adjust when the tranny feels "different" than it used to.

As for the Aftermarket tranny question, others that are running the A.M trannys can provide some tips.....mine's still stock.

Ed

 

Both shops are stupid!!! Both bands can be adjusted, and it never hurts always helps to have the filter and fluid changed.<br>Drive a stock auto, you will see a huge differance if yours is modified.

 

There are 2 bands. <br>Front band that can be adjusted from the outside and rear band that can only be adjusted with the pan dropped. <br>I would recommend very strongly that you buy a shop manual and an inch/lbs torque wrench and do this yourself or at least watch the shop do it. <br>Doing it wrong can really mess things up!<br>Since you seem to have no comparison in the shift feel to another truck you can't tell whether it's good or not.<br>Fluid changes are relevant forthe tranny life- the filter will not get rid of very small particles which will erode expensive stuff in there. A clogged filter will reduce the amount of cooler flow and the apply pressure of the clutches.<br><br>As for aftermarket trannies: I drive one and I am happy with it. Big improvement over stock! <br><br>HTH<br><br>AlpineRAM

 

Three Tranny shops told me the same thing but Bill at DTT<br>told me to adjust Front and Rear bands.

 

It says right in the cheap service book that comes with the vehicle to change the filter and adjust the bands. Ignore those tranny shops.<br><br><br>Tony

 

I agree with everyone else as far as fluid change/ band adjustments. As far as telling if it is an aftermarket trans, I assume you are talking about a modified trans?(such as DTT, ATS, Suncoast or others) Or are talking about a rebuilt? Most rebuilts tend to be painted with the color of the rebuilders choice (blue and black seem to be popular) The stock DC is in its natural casting color.(At least all that I've seen) I have a DTT modified auto and the only thing externally that give it away is the Mag hytech pan I had installed, but all modified transmissions may not have this. Another way you mght tell is most aftermarket torque converters have drain plugs on them so you could take off inspection cover and rotate TC to look for one.<br>Tim

 

W4xtc just posted this and it sounds like the right thing to do if you have the ability.<br>https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=14187