2nd Gen Dodge auto trans

[redthies]

So I find myself looking at 12v Dodges again. I have only owned 2005s and had zero issues with either of my trucks. (Except for the time a certain someone filled the 2500 with gas...). I want to sell my F350 and pay off some bills from this years six month road trip. I have found some decent 94 and 95 2500s with auto transmissions. How reliable are the autos of this vintage? I presently tow a 4000lb trailer, but am looking at other options. I will probably end up running 35s. What is the rear end gearing on these trucks? The only older Dodge auto I have driven seemed to be always "hunting" for the right gear. Is this common on 2nd gen trucks? I will by a 5 speed if one comes along, but my wife really only likes autos, and that is all I find for sale now. If they are maintained, are they reasonably stout? Thanks for any input.

 

[chasespeed]

Just like any of the others, a built trans is pretty much bullet-proof.

I went with a 5spd when I put my truck together... simply for the fact of... well, simplicity. AND heat... wheeling, towing, crawling, etc, all build heat in a trans... autos... that can leave you stranded... you can add coolers and all... but... I have been down that road..... my S/D had a built trans in it... and when loaded, and going down the beach, I could very easily reach pucker factor in the trans temps, due to the fact it would hunt, in and out of lock up. Lock it in second gear, and it settle down... but... you were stuck with that gear. Again......just my experience....

BUT, back to the point, I have driven ONE, auto 12v, and it was ALL stock, and it seemed okay.....

Chase

 

[UrbanCummin]

Those tranny's are generally considered weak from the factory, like mentioned above these and pretty much all auto's that came behind a diesel truck can be built to handle amazing abuse.

I would drive the truck first and see how the tranny shifts under WOT acceleration from a stop up to 120+ kph. If it shifts nice and firm then I would say its ok and at that point in time if "I" would by the truck I would put in an aftermarket valvebody and torque converter. A must in my opinion especially since you want to run larger tires as it puts a lot more strain on the tranny. I would also look into a deep tranny pan and tranny temp guage.

Oh and some of the problem with the earlier dodge auto's "hunting" for a gear is the engine power. If you increase your engine hp by about 40+ it helps a lot. Your engine has more hp and does is better able to keep in a certain gear and not have to shift down to maintain a set speed.