I'm looking at a 94 or 96 ( can't remember which) 2wd Dodge 3500 with the cummins. It's a regular cab dually. Anyways it has the Cummins with an auto behind it. 89k on the ticker. I've heard very bad things about Dodge auto's behind Cummins. Is this something I should be worried about? Anything else I should look out for? It looks like a steal at $11k. Would be a daily driver/tow rig. Any input is appreciated!

Basically the auto trannys SUCK!!!

They can be made to live with a new converter and valvebody, which isn't too much. But without mods, expect it to go out.

My buddies 99, just got it's second tranny under warranty (60K miles), and NOBODY at the dealer was surprised.

that sucks! How hard would it be to put a 4500 inplace of the auto?

From what I've seen, you can pretty much get a full blown auto for around $3. I don't think it would be too hard to put a 4500 in it, but it wouldn't be cheap, either. It also depends on what you want to do with the motor. Also be aware that the auto trucks have less hp and torque. Clutches are expensive, and the 4500s are not without problems, either.

Try looking around at www.turbodieselregister.com.

Pete

There's a place in texas that adresses the main issue with the NV4500, that being the 5th gear nut coming off. Once that's done it's a great tranny far better than the autos. The TDR is your best source. IMO the auto is a huge mistake when buying a dodge/cummins.

if you are going to keep the auto get with dtt.com or tst as far as a manual tranny i think the 5600 would be the best.The 4500 does have a 5th gear prob and the cummins puts out so much torque that its hard to keep a clutch in it and that is in stock form.Once you put a tst plate in and jump the power kiss reliability good bye as far as trannys go get on turbo odesel register and search.the answers you are looking for are there