Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />It seems that Dodge trucks have a reputation for having transmission issues.....<br /><br />Question: Have they been "fixed" in newer models? If so...which years are "bad" and which years are "better"?<br /><br />Any correlation between half and three-quarter ton? Or between engine choices?<br /><br />When the transmissions do fail...exactly what is giving out? <br /><br />Any Mopar mechanics out there??<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[Pony]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

I personally think that it is more engine specific than a "dodge issue". I think the best place to look is consumer reports. They are pretty detailed in year to year changes and in the pros/cons of each model.<br /><br />Heres an example: http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/...m/id/2022/act/usedcarreviewshowall?print=yes/

 

[garycinn]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Originally posted by SeaKaye12:<br /> It seems that Dodge trucks have a reputation for having transmission issues.....

I have owned three Dodges in the last five years. IMHO the reason they have a bad rap is because very few people put the right ATF in them. DC ATF+4 is only available at a DC dealer or a very select few mom & pop stores.<br /><br />To service a Dodge tranny correctly, you have to either take it to a dealer, or do it yourself with DC ATF+4. How many Dodge owners do you think don't do either?<br /><br />Most tranny shops (either chains or local) will put in a Dextron or Mercon with an "additive" to make it "just as good as ATF+4" (so they say). It doesn't work and just causes problems. I have experienced it first hand in one of my Dodge transmissions. Poor shifting as a result of homebrew ATf+4 done by an independent, then I replaced with ATF+4, and it shifted worse. Then the tranny computer had to be reset to relearn what should have been ATF+4. Has been fine ever since.<br /><br />The last thing is that Dodge (and most other automakers) put too long a service interval for ATF (IMHO). You really need to do it every 12K or 15K miles or once a year.<br /><br />I have 101K on my 1998 Dodge Durango 5.9L that has only seen ATF+4 on a regular basis. It pulls and shifts perfectly.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Then the tranny computer had to be reset <br /><br />I've owned a few of the 60-70's Chrysler products with the Torqueflight transmissions.<br /><br />Those old 727's were then thought to be some of the best in the industry. Simple and strong.<br /><br />I'd like to believe that it's just a maintenance thing. I have no problem with performing adequate maintenance.<br /><br />Maybe some here who have had Dodge trans issues can post what went wrong and why?<br /><br />I'm looking at a 97 1500 with the 360 (5.9l). It already had the transmission "rebuilt" at 60k. By Aamco (not confidence inspiring...but Aamco could be another post...)<br /><br />It's now got 71k on it and seems to shift perfectly.<br /><br />Anyone out there own a 97 360???<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[Navigator]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

On the heavier trucks (3/4 and 1 tons) Dodge changed the tranny from the 47RE (up to mid 2003) to a newer version the 48RE. Apparently the torque of the Cummins Diesel was more than the tranny could stand. The 48RE is a heavier duty version and has had pretty good feedback so far. The fluid as discussed above is still an issue and most of the reported tranny failure problems come from those who continually pull heavy loads on a daily basis. Not the 5-6k loads, but the 10k+ loads.<br /> If you want the "funnest" tranny, go with the new dodge G56 6 Speed, built by Mercedes Commercial truck division. This things a beast designed to pull. 1st gear is really designed to get the load rolling, that is. It's ratio is 6.29:1 . (A typical 1st gear is around 3.5:1) Now add this to the ability to use 4 low which drops it another 2.12:1 and you have roughly 13:1 gearing. (This is lower than most comercial dump trucks!)<br /><br />The best resource you can look at is<br /> http://dodgetrucks.org/forums/index.php <br /><br />Its the dodge truck forum. The folks are very knowledgeable and its a very active forum. There's a ton of info on the transmissions in the drivetrain forum.<br /><br />Nav

 

[springhead]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Chuck, i had a new 1996 dodge van and in 1997, one year later the tranny went.<br />Its not only that people put the wrong fluid in there trannys but an on going problem with dodges.<br /> A good friend of mine last week had to put a new tranny in his 2001 dodge truck.<br />good luck with your Dodge

 

[garycinn]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Originally posted by SeaKaye12:<br />Anyone out there own a 97 360???

I have a 1998 Durango with a 5.9L/360ci with a 46RE tranny with 100K miles. It is rated for 7600 lbs towing with its 3.92 axle and towing package (tranny cooler). All its life it has towed a 4000 lb boat at least 3000 miles a year through the KY mountains on I-75 including Jellico/Pine mountain pass at 65mph in 3rd gear w/o even thinking about downshifting into second gear.<br /><br />It is still shifting perfectly. I couldn't be happier.

 

[Baldguy]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

I have a 2004 Hemi 1500 quad cab. Has the towing package with limited slip 3.92 rear end. Prior posts are correct...the trannys have be serviced by the dealer or someone that carries the proper ATF for dodge.<br /><br />I tow a 4000# boat with no problems and I've had the truck two years now. Guess where the truck is today? Yep, getting the 30K service which includes the tranny/filter service.<br /><br />I'm active on some Dodge sites and haven't really read that people are having that much of a problem with the trannys. I believe the one's that are have altered the truck or use their trucks to the extreme.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

2003 Durango with tow package and class IV reciever w/4.7 287ci. No problems at all so far. 23000 miles and going. Make sure the rear end is serviced with the proper synthetic lube also.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

A durango is smaller than a Ram 1500; right?<br /><br />Where does the Durango fit between full size and ...say...a Toyota Tacoma comapct truck?

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Yes it's smaller than a full size pickup, but not much. As for the Durango vs Tacoma;<br /><br />Durango<br />Wheelbase, in. 115.9 <br />Overall Length, in. 193.3 <br />Overall Width, in. 71.5 <br />Overall Height, in. 72.0 <br />Curb Weight, lbs. 4513 <br /><br />Tacoma<br />Wheelbase, in. 103.3 <br />Overall Length, in. 184.4 <br />Overall Width, in. 66.5 <br />Overall Height, in. 64.1 <br />Curb Weight, lbs. 2750

 

[dorelse]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

My 1999 Dodge 1500 SLT club cab went through 3 tranny's before it left me stranded in a <br />semi-remote area of northern Minnesota. All before it hit 70,000 miles, and not 1 covered under warranty. Thank God for AAA.<br /><br />That's the final Dodge product I'll ever own. I was towing an 2000# 18ft bow rider. Most expensive vacation I've ever been on...but hey, came home with a rock sold Ford F-150. Definitely an upgrade in my book, and yes, all 3 tranny's were put in and serviced by the Dodge dealership.<br /><br />I'm sure others have had great experiences with them. I have not. My Ford gets better gas mileage, and doesn't ride on the frame when a heavier load is in it. I'll be sticking with a Ford truck from now on.

 

[jerkin]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Don't buy into the maintenance thing. I had 5 personal friends, 2 were uncles, who owned 1/2 ton dodges between 1998 and 2001 and the longest any of the transmissions made it was 50,000 miles. One of my uncles went out at 10,000 miles and the other at 24,000 and was going again at 36,000 when he traded it in. After all that, no one I know owns one anymore so I can't say if the problem was fixed or not. I don't know why any vehicle would need any type of transmission maintenance with that few miles on it. By the way the only one of the trucks I mentioned that ever towed anything was the one that went 50,000 miles. To my knowledge the others never had a trailer behind them. I know they all make lemons, but come on 5 out of 5? that's no fluke. Just my 2 cents.<br /> Scott

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

I have a 2001 Dakota with close to 70K and tow a 19ft Spectrum with gear. No problems so far. That was my concern when I bought the truck was the tranny gossip. Heat is the tranny's enemy so a cooler is necessary for towing. I did knock a tranny out of a S-10 towing a 16ft aluminum boat. That was $3500.00 for that one.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

i owned 2 dodges i wish i could kick myself in the you know what.never again!!!!!!! both had tranny troubles.one truck was 2000 other was 2001.took a bath when traded both of in no resale value.put if you like em buy em. happy holidays!!!!!

 

[dorelse]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

rottenray - I'm with you on the cooling aspect, but that's why I paid extra for the factory tow package. <br /><br />Additional cooling provided by the tranny cooler, if I pay Dodge extra money for the cooler to protect my tranny, I'd expect the tranny(s) to last longer. <br /><br />I just realized, that maybe the additional tranny cooler DID protect my tranny. Instead of dying while the replacements were under warranty, I actually made them last long enough to be out of warranty! Stupid me...IF I'm ever given a new Dodge truck for free, I'll take the cooler off so it'll die under warranty. <br /><br />Seriously...never ever again. Tried two Dodge products, both junk. The Ford's been good so far, and I really like the Ridgeline.<br /><br />Heck...my Kia Sedona minivan towed my boat farther (and without issue) than the Dodge did.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

Thanks all for the replies.<br /><br />Just to let you know...I didn't buy that Dodge. That was over a month ago...and it's still sitting in his driveway...the "FOR SALE" sign still on there.<br /><br />There's a couple of other Dodges in town here for sale as well...they are just sitting.<br /><br />I've decided to take my time and look for a nice Ford F250. I'm not in a hurry to get one...I'll just keep my eyes open for a well maintained truck that I will most likely have for a long long time.<br /><br />Thanks again folks for the input; Chuck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

SeaKaye -- chances are the full-size trucks you see with For Sale signs are not selling because the owners owe too much money on them and gas prices have probably forced them to take a serious look at the need for the vehicle. In other words -- the demand is simply not there. That my friend is the time to buy. A vehicle that is not in demand is a bargain -- provided you can afford to drive it. These folks bought their trucks at a time when the market for them was hot. Paid sticker and/or financed heavily. Then when the going gets tough they take a beating financially by dumping the truck and paying or financing heavily, a new econo box that they will very soon dump in a down market and the cycle starts all over again. There is very likely nothing wrong with any of the trucks. Low ball them -- you may get very lucky.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

I've always been a Ford guy, but simply don't like the newer ones (bad turning radius, ugly inside and out, and a few other things). So a few years ago I bought a used '99 Ram 1500 and loved it. This year we replaced it with a brand new 2500 diesel. The '99 was sold with just over 80k on the clock and zero work done to it (other than fluids and a battery).<br /><br />The diesel is just phenomenal all around. I'll never own another gasoline-powered truck again.

 

[MRS]

Re: Dodge Tranny Problems...Have they been fixed?

SWampnut I agree with the Diesel I have a 2001 CTD and the first thing I did was take to the dealers and had the trans and torque converter flushed and changed. I have not had any tranny trouble and do haul a lot of things besides boat with it maybe I am lucky but no troubles I will take to dealers every year just to service tranny now not full flush love my Diesel....