Okay, my topic is about transmission fluids. Yes others testimonial reports are helpful and appreciated but I like proven data. That was another fear of my local shops. Now since this transmission is new and literally sitting on my shop floor now with zero miles, I wanted to start its life off with some quality fluids. Modern trucks need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments.
For automatic transmissions, here's the Valvoline approach:. Here at Advance Auto Parts, we work with only top reliable Automatic Transmission Fluid product and part brands so you can shop with complete confidence. For instance, a D150 may be a 6 or 8 cylinder truck and each will have a different max. Anyway, i have several early model Dakotas, notably from 1991 to 1995, and one 2000 Dakota, and i have went through a host of transmission issues with them. On the other hand, Mopar is not in the oil refining business, and its lubricants are private label products that come from reliable mainstream producers. The actual towing capacity depends on many factors like engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.
If you are having problems with the transmission in your Ram 3500, such as clunky shifting or hesitation, check the fluid level first - it is amazing how many drivers pay thousands of dollars for transmission work when a half quart of transmission fluid would have fixed the problem. Unless instructed otherwise by the flushing machine manufacturer, I would clean the pan thoroughly and change the filter before flushing an automatic transmission. Maybe I'm right maybe I'm wrong?? Towing capacity is the ability to pull another object. This video shows you how to add transmission fluid to your 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. I'm sure the guys were skilled in the art and could do it blindfolded, I just wanted the most for the money. Diesel engines last longer and burn less fuel per mile, but do require more and different maintenance than a gasoline engine.
At around 60 some thousand miles it started shuttle shifting Check the forums here for those details and fixes. Some of our top Automatic Transmission Fluid product brands are , and. Unfortunately, many of these facilities do not drop the pan or change the filter, which I find scary. Oil Change Engine Oil Type 5W-30 3. I'm hoping maybe someone here can shed some light on this topic or add to it. The transmission comes with a matching billet input shaft and the torque converter has an enhanced stall and a host of internal upgrades. The new system should hold around 15 quarts give or take a little.
This coincided with a boost to 610 lb-ft torque and 325 horsepower from the Cummins 5. Apparently they will let others duplicate this formula but they must follow guidelines and join the secret fraternity of fluids producers. Without reducing the merits of Royal Purple or Amsoil products in the least, and I have used Amsoil in many performance applications over the years, the key to automatic transmission survival is a quality fluid that will work with the friction materials in the clutch assemblies and also overcome the critical issue of foaming. If you have a 12. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information. That goes for all fluids in my opinion.
Is this Valvoline the same oil? I cant understand why anyone would think a fluid can survive for 100's of thousands of miles and not be replaced. There is something to be said for a shop that can test a transmission not in a running vehicle and testing components individually. Great to see your post, Megatron!. Shop online, find the best price on the right product, and have it shipped right to your door. I believe that there are fluid standards and companies like Amsoil reproduce add to these formulas with their own additives to reduce wear and shed heat easier. You won't be shy about towing or any 5.
On that note, I stumbled onto such a mate-up. The lesson was that companies like Valvoline offer specific lubricants for distinct applications. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, check out our , or get the , or our. Pan dropped, you can see debris and signs of wear in the pan. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule.
Life expectancy isn't much further and the price to make the switch wouldn't pay back. If this is a canister spin-on type filter, you can dissect the filter and check for metal and frictional material in the filter. After doing the math on a local transmission shop to rebuild with upgrades versus getting a commercial built unit with some upgrades, I decided to buy commercially. This is now an industry standard, as heat destroys automatic transmissions. If the transmission fluid level on your Ram 3500 is low, you need to add fluid through the dipstick tube. I have always had transmissions flushed and changed out and always demanded a new filter be installed.
I know the topic is fluid and I will get to that. Normally I would say if you were changing fluids at 100k miles why change? I'm more about the science. The external filter is a screw in style with hoses and a remote mount housing. Since I'm starting from zero I believe the expense will be justified assuming the top shelf fluids are truly better and not just a promotional stunt. After posting I did find your article on transmission survival. I think it just had a few weak parts that didn't like additional pressure. This uplifting view will come as a shock to those who cruise truck forums and find the cryptic remarks and negative comments about these transmissions.
Well at 80k miles you have to be honest with yourself and assume a rebuild for this transmission isn't out of the question. Let me know what you all think and if you can point me in the direction of other topics here to research that would be great. The new clutch can handle much more torque and is quite a bit bigger, using double the number of bolts to hold it to the fly-wheel. As for the fluid advice. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods less than four miles at a time in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended. The photos have been reposed here.