Been having some issues with my auto trans on my '89 3.0 lwb. After climbing a long hill or grade it has hesitated when shifting between forward and reverse. Depending on the climb this has laged several seconds (2 to 5 sec) before engaging. The fluid level seems to be fine and it does not overflow @ the top of the hill.
The fluid is burned though. I thought this might be due to a pluged filter. Bought one and I am in the process of installing it right now and I find the new is the wrong part, will not work. However the old one looks fine. The new came with a gasket for the screen, when I removed the old there was no gasket.
I am going to have to put the old one back in, does it need a gasket on the filter?
Inspecting the fluid and pan I find no fragments just the graphite like film on the pan and the outside of the filter. The magnets only had sludge on them.
Also
Any ideas on the shift lag thing when it's been under a load.
Please chime in if you could, I'd like to get this back together tonight.
Happy Trails
Bob

Bob;
My FSM shows NO gasket on the strainer, But the '89' parts book I have (Dodge) shows 2 gaskets #MD609 040 and the screen #MD609 041. There is a gasket between the screen and Spacer and the spacer and valve body.
This is '89' model year. I'm not sure if others will be the same.
Always start with a fluid flush, and go from there.
Best of luck
Kary

Thanks Kary,
I called the local parts house and they had the filter kit on the shelf for $17. (wondering why I first bought it on line...) The kit has the gasket for the screen.
I'm hoping the fluid was overfilled and foamed causing the burning/breakdown of the fluid. Reassemble this morning, fill with the proper amount/level of fluid and go climb a hill.
The lag in shifting into gear when hot might be due to the breakdown of the ATF. Ya think?
I'm hesitant to take it off road until this is resolved.
But I'm dying to try a trail maybe not quite as tough as the one we ran @ walker valley last year. Want to see how Monty does with the lift, sliders and KYB's.
I think we need to plan a barbeque @ the Mattsons <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> As soon as the rock sliders are installed... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Bob

Also a lot of the problems with the auto tranny come from the wrong fluid type. it causes some galley restrictions and will also sludge up causing shift point changes. GL-4 fluid is the spec for the gen I monty auto. Are you going to get it flushed too or just swap out filters?

I'd take a VERY good look, at least under a magnifying glass, of the bottom of the pan. Look for any sign of cork like or metallic deposit, regardless of how fine. the Shifting problem sounds to me like 1. sludge in the valve body, or worse, 2. clutch wear.. i'd flush the hell out of the tranny and probably remove the valve body and have that cleaned thoroughly.

good luck

seer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Nope..... GL-4 is 75W-85W, 80W - specified (minimum) for t-case and manual transmission. Open differentials need GL-5. For LSDs, see your manual for friction modifier additives.

The automatic transmission uses Dexron II ATF.

Frank

yep your right Frank my mistake