I am looking at buying an 02 4x4 with auto trans. 128k on the odo. for $14k I have hheard some people say to stay away from any dodge truck with an automatic transmission. I know that they have had their problems, but is it really that serious? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

I don't know about that. I have an 02' & never have any problems out of the transmission.....I think a lot of it has to do with maintenance & not letting it get overheated.....If they towed really heavy with it & it got way too hot or it got abused & hot-rodded then I think these transmissions may go out prematurely.....

 

the truck looks brand new like it just rolled out of the factory..so im guessing it was taken care of pretty good..what in terms of maintenance do you do to yours and how often? this is my first diesel..

 

well, i would definitely drive it carefully & make sure that the transmission is shifting smoothly & doesn't make a clunk or anything when you shift it into Drive or put it in Reverse....That could be a sign it's starting to have a problem....Normally, on the maintenance you're supposed to change the fluid in them about every 30,000 miles or so.....May want to take a look at the dipstick & just make sure it's clean & doesn't smell burnt or anything.....Would be nice if they could show you any maintenance records they have.....Was it a one owner that an individual is selling?

 

its a one owner being sold by a dealer. I drove it today and didnt hear any clunking and seemed to shift smooth..didnt even check the dipstick but will do..

 

problem is most people think they have a big rig and can pull anything and then complain about tranny. the bands need adjusting along with the fluid filter change. a good tourqe converter and valvebody makes these dodge trannys go along way. tourqe breaks parts and the cummins has loads of it.

47re's can be built to handle almost anything even more then the allison 1000 or fords.

manual's have their issues as well

 

And if you have it serviced, you should up the line pressure some, if that's the only thing you do to it. If you up it too much you'll put the tranny in limp mode, if you don't have the bypass module (from DTT), but higher line pressure will keep the tranny together better, but make it a bit harsher on the shifts. I have mine turned up really high, about as high as you can go, and even towing 18K a few times I never worry about the tranny.

I'd put an aftermarket VB in it and up the line pressure. That's what I did to my 96. I eventually broke the input shaft due to the better TC I also put in it, but it never has slipped.

Chris

 

I agree. The bad reputation from these transmissions comes from the guys who like to throw 800lb ft of torque at at transmission designed to handle 420lb ft. I bought my 99 in 2004, "knowing" I'd have to replace the transmission. I've left it stock, serviced it and it still works perfectly @ 160k.

 

Not to cause issues with all you auto tranny guys but as per the OP question, Yes, the 2nd gen autos are the weakest link on these trucks. They are notorious for having issues. Some will say that they hardly can handle stock power levels let alone any HP modifications. That also goes for towing too. Here's some spec's to look at: http://dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/4xre.htm

Now.....in saying that.....as others already mentioned, there are a few things you can do to the 47RE which will make it far more able to handle the Cummins torque but if you have heavy towing in mind or want to put lots of HP to the ground then you will want to consider a custom built auto. A high quality custom built auto will set you back $3-5k but will handle anything you throw at it too. Also, just because the truck is pretty doesn't mean the PO cared about proper maintenance either. The PO could have enjoyed waxing it on Sunday more than having the tranny oil changed out, or the differential in check, etc..... So giving the truck a good once (or twice) over is highly suggested. And if you're new to the 2nd gen Dodge Cummins trucks then here's a great website to look at that lists common problems, TSB's, power upgrades, things to look for, etc.....http://dodgeram.org/ On the left, click on Diesel, Specs, TSB's, and the Tech menu.

 

this is one thing i failed to do on my last fluid & filter change. I will be dropping the pan again soon & doing an adjustment on the bands. i don't think it has ever been done so hopefully no damage has been done. it shifts very smooth & no slipping so I don't think anything is too terribly out of adjustment....

 

That smooth shift is what kills these auto's!!!!

When two elements, clutches or bands interact, the method to 'hide' the shift is to have them both engaged for a short time. This is slipping them and caused wear and heat.

The primary cause of failure of the Dodge automatic is the pressures are set too low from the factory, and the stock converter is far too loose in hydraulic coupling.
A shift kit, or raising the main pressure just 10 psi will significantly increase its life.

 

You should also understand that behind the torque of a diesel, most any transmission will have issue sooner or later, regardless of manufacturer or type. Ford had trouble for years with it's diesel/autos, the mighty Allison will only handle mild horsepower increases before needing some attention, and as said, Dodge hasn't been any different. If the truck appeals to you, and is a good deal, don't be scared of the auto- just know what you are getting, what you intend to accomplish, and then address it accordingly. Plenty of guys here have done that, and are very satisfied with their trucks.

 

mine has 213K on it and all i have done is routine service, i also agree, abuse and neglect kill them, by the time someone decides to do a flush and filter problems have already started

 

i always thought that the transmission shifting smoothly was a good thing?

 

Yes.....but no. You want your auto to shift firm, tight, and as quick as possible without being uncomfortable to you. As already mentioned, the 1980 luxury car smooth transition free type shifting is the hardest and creates the most heat in auto's. But.....clunking, knocking, or any other undesirable noise/feel is bad and probably indicates an issue. Have you ever driven in a Duramax? The Duramax will momentarily cut power during the Allison's shift up to the next gear. Obviously to reduce as mush slippage as possible since most people aren't smart enough to know what they're doing to the tranny when they simply hammer down the throttle while their auto is trying to run through the gears. Even more damaging when there's a big trailer behind the vehicle and the tranny and engine are in this battle while one's trying maintain RPM's while the other is trying to reduce RPM's by shifting up into the next gear.