BIT-- DIY automatic transmission repair

[Precision]

Ok so I had the transmission rebuilt on my Dodge 2500 diesel about 100k miles ago. That was after it originally busted with about 110kmiles on it. Pretty sure the trans is a 47re (from memory).

In doing some research in between, I have discovered that if I had known I could have put in upgrade parts that would have extended mileage likelihood to 175-200k. Not real happy with my transmission shop for not making that available especially since the extra cost would have been about $200-250.

Thinking that instead of paying $3000 for ANOTHER rebuild, I should just do it myself and buy the parts for about $750 - 1000.

I have done timing chains and other not so fun rebuilds, but I am a little concerned about a transmission.

Stupid idea or not so bad with some help?

[HTRN]

The Dodge may require special tools. The parts aren't particularly cheap either.

Honestly? If you want to save money, replace the tranny yourself, but buy it from one of the reputable performance tranny places

[Aglifter]

+1.

[Netpackrat]

If you have to ask here about rebuilding an auto tranny, it's probably not something you want to mess with. I've never attempted it, but it's my understanding that it's not for the faint of heart. When I needed to, I bought a rebuilt unit and just swapped it in. The only "special" tool you'd need in that case would be a transmission jack.

[Precision]

If you have to ask here about rebuilding an auto tranny, it's probably not something you want to mess with. I've never attempted it, but it's my understanding that it's not for the faint of heart. When I needed to, I bought a rebuilt unit and just swapped it in. The only "special" tool you'd need in that case would be a transmission jack.

The built to factory local rebuilder is $2700. A properly upgraded rebuild from a non-local company is about $3300 including shipping.

The truck is probably worth $5000 with a functional transmission... Errr

[blackeagle603]

Dodge 2500 diesel ... worth about $5000

Not knowing it's mileage or general condition I still gotta ask, "You sure about that? Checked lately?"

Used diesel truck values are holding up and even increasing in some cases as new diesel trucks skyrocket in price.

[evan price]

If you don't work on modern auto trannies already, now's not the time to learn. Your shop didn't do the upgrades- well, they want to sell you another tranny in a couple years, naturally!

Buy a proper rebuild, swap it in, then sell your good used tranny to someone needing a tranny.
Me, I'd buy the new one, then run an ad advertising "Drive it before I pull it" or something like that.

If you need a core trans to return, contact some wrecking yards. Make sure to tell them you are only looking for a complete core trans NOT a good trans. You'd pay what the core buyers pay, a couple hundred bucks or so.

[Precision]

If you don't work on modern auto trannies already, now's not the time to learn. Your shop didn't do the upgrades- well, they want to sell you another tranny in a couple years, naturally!

Buy a proper rebuild, swap it in, then sell your good used tranny to someone needing a tranny.
Me, I'd buy the new one, then run an ad advertising "Drive it before I pull it" or something like that.

If you need a core trans to return, contact some wrecking yards. Make sure to tell them you are only looking for a complete core trans NOT a good trans. You'd pay what the core buyers pay, a couple hundred bucks or so.

I have been thinking about that option.

I have also been considering rolling the dice on a used "functional" trans or seeing what it would take to make my truck into a manual. Fixing clutches is cheaper and easier, not to mention something I know how to do. Not sure of the practicality on a 4x4 switch to manual.
For the record, my transmission is not good. It won't find third gear and OD is BLOWN out. 2300rpm at 55 mph is about as good as it gets.

[evan price]

I have also been considering rolling the dice on a used "functional" trans or seeing what it would take to make my truck into a manual. Fixing clutches is cheaper and easier, not to mention something I know how to do. Not sure of the practicality on a 4x4 switch to manual.
For the record, my transmission is not good. It won't find third gear and OD is BLOWN out. 2300rpm at 55 mph is about as good as it gets.

Ouch. Time for a trans job for sure. Swapping to manual is not a horrible job BUT unless you can find a donor truck with all the parts in one spot you'll be chasing stuff around. If this is a project truck, no big deal. If it's a daily driver, downtime is a killer. Parts cost to swap to manual will be about the same as a fresh juice box trans unless you can find a parts truck for cheap. Even then I'd want to go through the manual trans and change a few things. A junkyard trans is always a dice roll. Sometimes I see stuff come in with fresh rebuilds. Sometimes it's 300,000 miles and it still works for now.

Maybe buy an exchange HD rebuild unit and it's good for a while.

[Jake]

I'm not an expert but I am planning on replacing a torque converter, valve body, etc on my 47RH out of a 97' Cummins, you may try asking around at the Cummins Forums. They have sections for each generation of truck as well as sections for drivetrain, performance, non-drivetrain etc. There are a few articles there, if you search, for converting an auto transmission over to a manual. I stumbled onto one a few months ago but I couldn't find it today when I looked otherwise I'd have linked it.

Good luck!