I have a 170k on my 1998 4x4 cummins.
The truck is starting to shudder on take off
and some slipping. Once it gets going it is fine.
Dont know much about Torque converters but have read they can
be a common problem. My biggest question is with this kind of mileage
do I replace the torque converter or bite the bullet and have a tranny overhaul.

Thanks for any insight.
( I read a story where one owner was saying he got 300k out of his auto trans on his cummins)

 

before you do anything, have you don the basics, change fluid and filter? an overhaul is the last thing you want to do unless you are rich. it is not that difficult to do your own overhaul on the tranny, it just takes come courage. they really are not that difficult, most of the time replacing the torque converter and bands will be sufficient, sometimes, it takes more.

 

No I have not. The fluid level is at the full mark. Not sure if a service will
remedy this problem. Occasionaly Shudders ( like something is out of balance)
and on take off slips. Gonna take it in this week, but thought I would ask
in this forum if anyone could tell me the symptoms of a faulty torque converter.
The truck has never been abused. Super nice. And like I said, 170k original miles.

 

If it's slipping, get it looked at. Sounds like a rebuild to me. I'd get a professionals opinion on if you should bother servicing it. Where are you located?

 

So Cal, where there are few cummins dodge trucks, and few garages that know anything about them.

Thanks for the info. Taking it to the shop.

Aloha

 

I had slipping problems at 100k. I adjusted the bands and it cleared right up. You might try it.

 

i would lean to looking and a fluid and filter change along with adjusting the bands on it . and see what that does before jumping into a rebuild . but at that kinda milage it could be coming up for a freshing here soon .let us know what you find out

 

Make sure you check the u-joints and carrier bearing. As far as the trans, do a service, with a band adjustment....

Paul

 

When I bought my '96 it had 180K showing and the PO thought it might need a new torque converter. I changed the filter and fluid (you may have to do it yourself if live around me as none of the shops here will touch anything with over 100K since they are so afraid of it going out right after the change) I also added 1-2 bottles of Lucas Trans Fix. Not sure exactly how much since my fill tube was boken in half when I added the first bottle and all the trans fluid. Funny, I didn't think I spilled THAT much... I brazed it back together before adding the second bottle (anyone know where I can get a new fill tube since Dodge discontinued them?) Anyway that and a TPS cleaning straightened my trans right out.
cheers and good luck!

 

If it is shuddering at take off, it is still in first gear. The only part applied is the rear clutch, sprag, and direct clutchs in the OD section.

Most likely, it is the front clutch glazed and is shot.
The converter replacement will not change anything. ( the converter clutch is NOT applied), it is still in fluid coupling.
Change the fluid and FILTER first to make sure the filter is not plugged.

 

Are you sure? I just bought one for my '95 6 months ago from my local dealer. Maybe you should check with a different dealer. They had to order it in for me (took 1 day) part number 52118621 - Tube Assy.

 

j-fox, what would be the result of a shot front clutch? Would friction material sludge be mixing with the fluid? In that case is a pressure flush in order? Sludge always affects how the valve body functions.

 

Here is my suggestion: If you have the first gear start out shudders, the frictions are beyond anything fluid can do for them. Call around to some of your local 4X4 and off road centers and chat with them about a good transmission shop. That is the hardest use of an automatic, and those guys know where the good transmission shops are to be found, as most have used them!

Regarding friction sludge, when the clutches go they are nothing but treated paper and simply glaze and lose all their ability to have enough friction to lock to the steels, or they tear loose from the clutch plate and will no longer lock. In that case, the fluid could be very clean and not even have any evidence of burning.

If your fluid is smelly, or dark, that is likely an entirely different problem or combination of problems. A flush and change will do you no good at all if that is the case, and you will be just tossing good money after bad. Go for the rebuild.

 

With a shot front clutch, you loose reverse, third and fourth. The friction material ends up in the pan and hopefully the filter will contain it. Drop the pan and change the fluid/filter. Inspect the material in the pan, clean it, and try one more time.
Most likely it is time for a rebuild. Make sure the pressure is raised to allow it to hold the torque. Firm shifts are fine.

I am not a fan of the flushing only school of thought. Always change the filter.