I have 88,000 miles on my truck now. The trans temp gets to 180-190 deg in stop/go traffic, empty. It also feels sluggish compared to what is used to feel like, meaning that the revs rise faster than the truck feels like it should be moving.
Should I get the trans flushed? if yes, what fluid should I replace it with? Valvoline extreme (ATF+4), or ATF+3?

Also, is it good idea to change just the TC and VB without doing any internals?

Thanks,
Mike.

PS-I am back from Overseas. 1 year away from the greatest country in the world is too long!

 

Flushing the tranny is looked at with mixed feelings. On one hand, it cleans all of the fluid out and puts brand new fluid in. On the other hand, it can push stuff into places it doesn't need to be and cause premature damage. If your fluid is sitting at 180-190 in traffic and isn't a brown color or smells burnt, then I wouldn't worry to much about it. If you want to get as much fluid out as possible, drop the pan and then lower the VB about a 1/4" and let it drain for an hour or so. That will get most of it out. Stick with the +4 fluid that came in yours originally. Especially since your still under warranty. You can buy it buy the gallon from the dealer for $20/gal.

A TC and VB upgrade is a good thing. If your tranny is in good shape then I'd go ahead and do that.

P.S. Thanks for serving your country Mike. We really appreciate it.

 

Maintenance is always a good idea. If you're trying to solve a problem the flush is not likely to help. 180-190 in stop and go traffic is about where mine runs with the torque converter unlocked, you might try turning the OD off, it will allow the converter to lock up at around 30-35 mph and that should help keep it a little cooler. Per Chrysler TSB

NOTE: This bulletin applies to all transmissions manufactured by Chrysler except for
1999 and earlier minivans with the 41TE/AE transmission, This Service Bulletin DOES
NOT apply to all AW-4 transmissions, Sprinter transmissions, Crossfire transmissions
and WG bodies equipped with a W5J400 or NAG1 transmission (sales code DGJ).
DISCUSSION:
A new transmission fluid (ATF+4® - Type 9602) has been developed and is being
used as factory fill for all vehicles with Chrysler automatic transmissions.It is
recommended that all vehicles with Chrysler automatic transmissions EXCEPT
FOR THOSE LISTED ABOVE be serviced with ATF+4®..
NOTE: ATF+4® must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4®.
NOTE: Service intervals do not change. The service interval currently in
effect for a given vehicle should continue to be followed.
NOTE: ATF+4® is compatible with ATF+3 and ATF+2. ATF+4 can be used
to top off vehicles that currently have ATF+2 or ATF+3. Do not use ATF+2
or ATF+3 to top off vehicles that have ATF+4® fluid.
BENEFITS
•Better anti-wear properties
•Improved rust/corrosion prevention
•Controls oxidation
-3- 21-004-04
•Eliminates deposits
•Controls friction
•Retains anti-foaming properties
•Superior properties for low temperature operation

If the internals of your transmission are in good condition then changing a converter and valve body will make a world of difference in how your truck performs

PS-Thanks for your time Overseas. I know it was tough on you.

 

I always recomend changing the oil and filter at regular intervals. If towing, watch the color of the fluid and change it when it turns dark or about half the mileage the factory recomends. Clean oil and filter is the key to max life of a transmission. If you do not change it, when the oil burns and plugs the filter, a trans failure is guaranteed. If you change the fluid and filter, you might save the trans and run it many thousands of miles before failure. Any time the trans acts strange after a fluid/filter change, the mech did something wrong. probably the seal ring for the filter is leaking air into the trans and will cause failure.

 

I have done all trans fluid changes myself except for the first one. I use the open element.
Actually, with the +4, color change is not a good indication of bad fluid.
I have also heard that using dexron in this trans is OK. The only problem one might find is shudder. That can be fixed with additive. I'd like to use Amsoil, but will wait until I do the TC and VB (if these two changes alone are OK).

Has anyone changed just the TC and VB? I'd like to talk to them.
Thanks,

Mike

PS-You are all welcome. Thanks for your support.