Dying Automatics - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Travis Waldher · 08-29-2002, 07:51 PM

I keep hearing about the dying Automatic Trannies.. I was wondering how you guys drive your autos?

Myself I have a Dodge that has 100,000 miles on it, other than a flush/fill at 80,000 or so nothing has been done maintenance wise to it. I was flat towing a 4,800lb jeep, then started towing it on a trailer, combined weight nearly 8,000lb.

I haven't had any tranny problems (knock on wood), but I also keep it out of OD unless I'm coasting downhill or doing 75+ on very flat ground, as well as don't let the automatic choose which gear. I force it to 3, 2, or 1. (that is while I am towing anything)

Do you guys do the same?

Tusker · 08-29-2002, 09:24 PM

That's my driving routine too. Kick it down a gear, leave it there, and let the motor spin. I had the tranny pumped out, switched to synthetic, and added a second tranny cooler. I also change my tranny fluid and filter at 30,000 miles. Maybe overkill, but I haul some pretty heavy loads and have 145,000 miles without a glitch. I still expect to be replacing at least one tranny though before my diesel dies.

08-29-2002, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
Travis Waldher Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4878 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 7,523	Dying Automatics I keep hearing about the dying Automatic Trannies.. I was wondering how you guys drive your autos? Myself I have a Dodge that has 100,000 miles on it, other than a flush/fill at 80,000 or so nothing has been done maintenance wise to it. I was flat towing a 4,800lb jeep, then started towing it on a trailer, combined weight nearly 8,000lb. I haven't had any tranny problems (knock on wood), but I also keep it out of OD unless I'm coasting downhill or doing 75+ on very flat ground, as well as don't let the automatic choose which gear. I force it to 3, 2, or 1. (that is while I am towing anything) Do you guys do the same?

08-29-2002, 09:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tusker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2752 Location: Fairfield, CA Posts: 2,043	That's my driving routine too. Kick it down a gear, leave it there, and let the motor spin. I had the tranny pumped out, switched to synthetic, and added a second tranny cooler. I also change my tranny fluid and filter at 30,000 miles. Maybe overkill, but I haul some pretty heavy loads and have 145,000 miles without a glitch. I still expect to be replacing at least one tranny though before my diesel dies. __________________ 86 Samurai w/gun rack, 92" WB, VW 1.9 TD, Toyota 5-speed and dual cases with 4.7 gearset, Toyota axles with Longfields, 5.29's, ARB's f&r, YJ's, 35's, FJ-60 power steering, high steer, ............. <>< <>< <>< Hey, if this rig is for wheelin', what are all these animal parts doin' in here?

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