[jmcollett]

Other than changing the filter and fluid, what else needs to be done to change the transmission fluid in a 1989 Dodge RamCharger 318 engine? A few peope mentioned something about drainging two hoses in the front of the engine.

 

[CLRracer]

i just drop the pan, change the filter, adjust the bands, put the pan back on, then fill it up.

Duane

 

[Dodge 85 RC]

Thats about it...

 

[AndrewT]

What about flushing the system. I've never done a dodge, but have done fords before. I'd disconnect the return line from the radiator and put a connector on it with a rubber hose running to a 5 gallon bucket. Then I'd start the truck and let it pump out about 2 quarts and turn the truck off. Then I'd add back two quarts of fresh fluid. In the ford it took about 18-20 quarts total to flush it. Tranny fluid is cheap so 20 quarts ain't bad. I did all this after I changed the filter. There is probably less fluid in the pan than in the whole system, so I'd recommend it to extend your tranny's life. I am considering doing this to my 88 RC pretty soon as I am sure it has the orginal fluid and has 77K on it.

 

[BigJake]

Here's something I do.

As soon as I buy a vehicle (I only buy used), I drop the pan and change the filter for the tranmission. While I have the pan out, I intall a drain plug in the pan (you can get one of these at most any parts store).

At every engine oil change, I also drain a few quarts out of the transmission pan and replace those quarts as well. Keeps your tranny fluid "fresh".

 

[william]

Here is something I do:
Whenever I buy a vehicle, I remove the automatic transmission and install a 4 speed. Seriously though, there is a great article in an old Mopar Action on no buck T-flite mods. One involved dropping the valve body partially and removing a spring, and adjusting an allen screw. The mods made for crisper shifts, and longer service life of the tranny. Too bad the only thing I know about auto trannies is how to remove them and throw them in the dumpster. I will see if I can unpack that box of mags if you are interested in the details of the mods.
william

 

[chrysler300le]

definitely adjust the bands. Haynes manual has the specs on what your adjustments should be. I'm a ASE certified mechanic and i think flushing transmissions can cause harm because i've heard plenty of stories of it loosening up sludge and that stuff lodges in places that it shouldn't and causing the trans to fail. Just drain the pan and adjust the bands. Don't worry about trying to get every last drop out because you will never get it out. Flushing transmissions takes at least 15 qts which is a waste. I've noticed just draining and refilling those 4 qts and changeing filter makes a noticible change in how a tranny shifts and even fuel mileage in some cases.

 

[AndrewT]

I don't understand how flushing it via my method would loosen sludge. Could you explain, maybe I'll stop doing it. I could understand how it could if I hooked up to a machine at a lube place that put more pressure than the system operates at. Running the pump in the tranny to push the fluid out at the normal operating pressure (possibly less due to a lack of back pressure) shouldn't loosen sludge. If so, wouldn't it do it with the coolant lines connected when I am driving down the road. Also, I agree it is not necessary to do this often. If you let it go to long and the fluid has gotten really dirty then I figured it'd be a good idea. You won't get every last drop, but you'll get a majority of the dirty fluid out (if you let it go to long).