I just turned 30K and am considering changing the transmission fluid. Anyone know what aftermarket fluid will not void the warranty? I hate buying anything from the dealer!

 

Me too...what should be done for the service? I would hate to pay the dealer....way to much $$$!

 

Buy the ATF+4 from the dealer and then change the filter and fluid yourself. Buy 2 gallons. Takes about 6-7 quarts on the change. You can get the filter from Geno's Garage.

 

I KNOW YOU ARE RIGHT NOT WANTING TO PAY THE HIGH PRICES FROM THE DEALER,BUT I WONDER IF IT FALSE ECONOMY (AT LEAST WHILE UNDER WARRANTY). IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG AND YOU HAVE A PAPER TRAIL BACK TO DODGE DEALERSHIP, IT IS HARD FOR THEM TO ARGUE RESPONSABILITY.
THEY JUST BOUGHT ME A NEW ENGINE AT 80,000 MILES , PARTIALLY BECAUSE I HAD A PAPER TRAIL BACK TO THEM DOING A COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH AND CHANGE) , AND WAS TOLD BY A MECANIC AT THE SERVICING CENTER DOING THE ENGINE THAT I HAD PUT STRAIGHT ANTIFREEZE IN IT AND THAT I HAD A 35% FLO RESTRICTION IN THE RADIATOR. THIS JUST A MONTH OR SO AFTER THE HIGH DOLLAR COOLING SYSTEM JOB AT MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP.
CANNOT SAY OF COURSE THAT THIS WAS THE SOLE REASON IT HAPPENED BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, THAY CAN'T SAY IT WASN'T

 

Is there any band adjustment needed at 30k? Mine is shifting fine as of now?

I don't mind dropping the pan and changing the filter myself...but is there a need of a flush or anything like that? It would seem like you should run OEM fluid without a flush since there will still be fluid in the TC...

 

The Service Manual calls for a band adjustment every 30K. I did the adj. with the change in fluid and filter. Can't say that it shifts any different. Some of the guys say band adjustments are not worth the effort. I think doing the adj. at the first 30K mark will ease your mind as to them being in adj. at least at that point in time.

The flush is a point of controversy. Personally, if a flush is needed, then something is going wrong in the tranny. I think the filter and fluid change at regular intervals will be good enough.

 

What is involved with the band adjustment...I am kind of an auto virgin.

 

First thing, you need a torque wrench that can be set for 72 inch lbs. You will have to check your service manual for the adj. specs on the 48RE. They might be different then my 47RE.
One of the adj. is on the outside of the tranny. The other is on the inside and you will have to have the pan off to get to it.
Maybe someone with the 48RE can jump in here and give the actual adj. specs.

 

Tell the rest of the story Herb...you know the part on how you hoped they didn't find the mods done etc...

 

Let me drop my .02 on the trans flush issue for a second. if you are going to drop the pan, did you get ALL the dirty fluid out??? of course not! at 30K, do you really think that trans filter is clogged??? unless that fluid on the stick is navistar diesel black, it's not clogged. have the trans flushed, and save your neck and back the trouble. usually about 150 bucks with the ATF+4 fluid.

 

to be completly honest, i have had problems with the truck every since i got it and it has been to the dealer between about every trip i have made with it for some type repair. turbo--atts--pump--injector pump--power steering pump--front end work--transmission just to name a few.
i doubt seriously that there is anyone who takes better care of and services their truck any better than i do.
i made attempt after atempt thru both chrysler and cummins trying to get the truck to work for me (not over work) as a stock truck and it would not and they could not get it too.
hence the mild mods that i installed. never to overwork or beat on it , just to get it to do what about everyone i spoke to said it should have been doing for me as a stock truck.
you are right about me not announcing to them the mods that i had installed. hopefully i will not need them with this engine

 

How about getting back to the band adjustment people....