transmission trouble

[we2man]

I have 98 dodge durango and it seems to not want to shift into second gear. It doesnt slip its just shifting real lazy. It will shift eventaly after whining out any advice will be appreiciated!

 

[Roger]

The Dodge Durango tranny is a throwaway after 75k miles. Wonder why they went with the Allisons as did GM in later years?

 

[Otto J]

Sometime you can be lucky with the dodge trannies with this problem.
If you drop the pan(may need to drop the valve body also) you may find the band strut broken and or bent and its as easy as replacing it and readjusting.
Sometimes though you will find the band broken.

 

[turbobitt]

The Dodge Durango tranny is a throwaway after 75k miles. Wonder why they went with the Allisons as did GM in later years?

Hmm ,

The Dodge transmissions are very good transmissions. Seems like all the fast Duramax's out there are converting to Suncoast built 48RE's.

For your issue, the governor pressure solenoid are prone to failure. You may just have an electronis issue. As Otto stated, check the band and strut. These are pretty robust in a Dodge transmission. If you don't see anything wrong in that area then I would look at the gov. pressure solenoid.

Allan G.

 

[turbobitt]

Just to add to my last post. I rebuilt my Dad's 98 Durango transmission with over 130K. This transmission decided to stop going after a few miles of driving then resume for a few more then quit again. I thought for sure that the problem would have been a spent clutchpack. Come to find out that the converter lock up clutch failed and clogged the filter with debris. The rest of the transmission was in excellent condition with little signs of clutch wear. This was the smaller 44RE(A500) transmission.

Allan G.

 

[chris718]

If IM NOT MISTAKEN The 2 durangoS I built werent 518s they were the steroid version of the 606.Ithink 42le?

 

[turbobitt]

If IM NOT MISTAKEN The 2 durangoS I built werent 518s they were the steroid version of the 606.Ithink 42le?

THe 500, or 42RE and 44RE were the small cases. Basically a 904 3 speed with an overdrive unit. The 518,618,, and 46RE were the bigger transmissions, basically a 727 with overdrive.
Allan G.

 

[matt69olds]

Adjust the bands, the front band is used for 2nd gear. The rear band is used is in reverse and engine braking in low gear. The 518/618 trans really is a good trans, the converter is the weakness especially with the Cummins engine.

 

[chris718]

The ones I did werent 500 518 versions at all.No band just like a 604 606 type.

 

[we2man]

Hey, I also forgot that there is a vibration in the front end but when you step on the brakes it stops! ANY IDEALS!

 

[matt69olds]

The ones I did werent 500 518 versions at all.No band just like a 604 606 type.

Most likely the later model 5 speed trans, cant recall the code.

 

[we2man]

Its a 4 speed automatic, could it be the torque converter?

 

[snyderjw1]

I agree with the above as well, if the vibration goes away when you tap the brakes, you are unlocking the TC, so more thank likely the TC clutch is coming apart, and the material is plugging up the governor sense and governor pressure solenoids...which will delay your shifts....you may have a code for one or both if you scan (doesn't alway put on the light).. you could replace the solenoids but most likely the new ones will plug up in a few weeks...look in the pan, if it's covered with clutch material it is most likely terminal converter failure. We see alot of these at my shop, most diesels we recommend putting in a billet face converter...good luck.

 

[we2man]

so will changing the torque converter fix the problem?

 

[turbobitt]

so will changing the torque converter fix the problem?

Don't think that could be determined unless it is torn down and inspected. Based on your info, I would tear down and rebuild the transmission and change the converter regardless. Would also consider replacing the electronics since they are prone to go.
Allan G.