I need a little input guys. Truck takes off fine in 1st, hits second fine then halfway through 2nd it sounds like a standard jumping out of gear into neutral.
Rpms wind up and I have to let off and baby it to make it shift. After it goes to third, it runs just like normal .

I checked the fluid and it has an orange tint to it. Should the fluid still look bright red at 62,000 miles? Been looking at the Goerend and others, just wonderin if a trans fluid filter change might limp it along a little while longer until tax return time.

Thanks for your help.

 

Having the same problem with mine. Servicing it will only buy you about 1000 miles, already tried that route, now I am right back to where I started.

 

FOrward clutches is what was bad when mine did the same thing, time for a rebuild fellas. I could rev over redline in second then let off and get the truck moving again. Take your power adders off until you get the new tranny, it won't be so bad. You have checked your fluid levels right?

 

You have 62,000 miles and it hasn't been serviced?
Change the fluid and filter, adjust the bands too.

 

It may be that the band is just out of adjustment

 

Thanks for the input guys.BTW, if a band does need to be adjusted, does the trans. have to come out? If it does I'll prolly replace w/ a built one. No sense in pulling it twice. Thanks!

 

The front band can be adjusted without dropping the trans or the pan. The adjustment screw is on the drivers side of the trans above the pan rail just behind the front cooler line fitting.

You could also be having leakage on the second gear servo that is causing the issue. The servo piston, servo cover, and band strut can be replaced by dropping just the VB. While your at it a shift kit may help extend your trans life a bit. I had about $220 in the Transgo shift kit, servo cover, and strut plus a couple hours labor. Big difference in the trans workings now.

Might be a cheaper fix until you can get the $$$ for an HP build up.

 

get a copy of the shop manual online, (usually in pdf format) from someone here and look up "band adjustment", it's easy. and change your trans fluid and filter every other oil change!
****, 60,000+ miles and no service. LoL

Adjust the band first, and while you're in there, adjust the rear band too. Fresh fluid and a new filter and then change the fluid & filter again in couple thousand miles cause you didn't get all the old dirty stuff out this change. It'll take a few times to get it cleaned up...
The alternative...
$$$$$$$ rebuild $$$$$$$ rebuild $$$$$$$$$

db

 

Mine was changed at 30k then again at 59k, now have 61k and tranny is shot, it sucks.

 

To adjust the band, you only need to drop the pan. The side benefit is that you will change your fluid at the same time whether you like it or not.

 

second gear/front band is externally adjusted. No need to drop the pan.
However, It is good to change the filter and fluid!!

 

its best to do both bands at the same time. frt band is kickdown, rear band is low/reverse:

Band adjustment from 72 in. lbs
Front band - Diesel Vehicles Back off 1 3/4 turns
Rear band Back off 3 turns


ADJUSTMENT - BANDS
FRONT BAND



1 - LOCK-NUT
2 - FRONT BAND ADJUSTER


The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw (2)(Front Band Adjustment Screw Location) is located on the left side of the transmission case above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.

Raise vehicle.
Loosen band adjusting screw locknut. Then back locknut (1) off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw threads if necessary.
Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs.) torque with an appropriate Torx™ socket.
CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 is needed to reach the adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 5 N·m (47-50 in. lbs.) torque.

Back off front band adjusting screw 1-3/4 turns, for diesel vehicles, or 1-1/2 turns, for V-10 vehicles.
Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten locknut to 34 bN·m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle.

REAR BAND



1 - LOW-REVERSE BAND ADJUSTMENT


The transmission oil pan must be removed for access to the rear band adjusting screw (1)(Rear Band Adjustment Screw Location).

Raise vehicle.
Remove transmission oil pan and drain fluid.
Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in lever.
Tighten adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs.) torque.
Back off adjusting screw 3 turns.
Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten locknut to 41N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N·m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle and refill transmission with Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission fluid

sry pictures wouldnt port over

 

Doggmeat, Thanks for the tech info. I'm going to the store and get the fluid and filter this morning. Have to find a wrench that has in/lbs though. I'll post results and any extra info later today.

Also need to find out how much fluid to get

 

Ah yes, I forgot that's what you do for a stock band. For mine the procedure is easier (IMO)... drop the pan, throw a 1/4" allen wrench as an improvised feeler gauge between the apply lever and piston, and tighten up the adjuster nut. Flush, filter and band adjust 1x/year.

 

OK , when I left this morning I had every intention on changing my own fluid/filter. I just happened to stop at a local transmission shop on my way to NAPA. After talking to the owner, he convinced me to let him do the fluid change and adjust the bands. I rode along w/ him for a test drive before he did anything and he told me a band adjustment was in order.

When I picked it up, he said it was out 3 1/2 turns. Dodge sets it this way to keep the shifts smooth. He adjusted it down to 2 turns. I like the firmer shifts now,and it doesn't feel like it's so loose anymore.

Anyway, just wanted to post my experience to help others w/ the same problem. I thought I was gonna have to get a Goerend but now I can wait a while. THanks to everyone that posted about the band adjustment, because $175 is a little easier on the pocketbook than $4k for a Goerend(albeit not nearly as much fun I'm sure)!!