I've read a lot on this forum about avoiding the auto transmission in 12 valve Dodges. I've been looking for a 12 valve and have seen some nice ones. Most recent was a 1997 2500 4x4 189K miles with auto for $8K. Most I've seen are automatics.

I will pull with it, but not all the time. A heavy load would be about 10-13K with most loads being 9-10K. I would say pulling would be 4-5 times a month and distances usually less than 150 miles.

How much do I need to worry about the auto transmission? Avoid completely? How much do they cost to rebuild? Thanks!

 

If the fluid looks good and it shifts out ok, I wouldn't worry. All you would need is a good torque converter and either a shift kit or full vb if you wanted. Most probs with the trans are minor. Rebuild prices will vary depending on what you get.

 

i agree. these trannys do have a bad reputation but unless your throwing a lot of power at one you should be fine. i pull pretty heavy pretty regularly with mine and all i have done is aftermarket converter a shift kit and over sized lines and cooler.

 

I haven't had much of an issue with my auto. Just make sure to do the maintnance on it. And i'm haveing a tripple disc and heavy duty valve body installed this week on mine.

 

in the stock form they are a little weak. like what has been said a tc and valve body they are good. you can mod them to stand a bunch of hp. i sled pull with a 97. my buddy that has a shop will completely rebuild one for around 1800.00 that will stand 350-400 hp or 4800.00 for a high hp tranny

 

Thank you for the information! That helps a lot. I was passing on some trucks I really liked because of that; I'm definitely not passing on another one.

Thanks again

 

if you know when to apply youir power you will be fine i have diesel shops tell me i should rip out my tranny and it has 300,000 miles and it fine barely any metel in pan just avoid hard take offs and when your off road and getting stuck just let someone pull you out thats very hard on the trannys

 

ive never had one I shift like a man

 

ahaha i like you reply 1993firstgennewbie