Preventing automatic transmission failure
#1265491
07/11/12 12:32 AM
07/11/12 12:32 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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I originally posted about our "new" 1999 caravan needing to have the transmission rebuilt. Stripped splines, broken planetaries, etc.
So my question is, what can be done to prevent such massive transmission failures?
I know the basics, keep it cool, change fluid and filter regularly, don't tow heavy loads in overdrive, etc.
I have beat old 904's and 727's, but with proper maintenance, they last quite a while.
I would think that all the advances in technology and science would allow us to built transmissions that are a bit more sturdy.
Anyway, what can be done to prevent these kind of failures in the future? What have you done besides the very basics mentioned, and what has worked well for you?
Old or new trannies...same concept applies.
eightlitermopar
Mopar or no car
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Re: Preventing automatic transmission failure
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1265494
07/11/12 10:00 AM
07/11/12 10:00 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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So....from what I see, modern transmission failures is a crapshoot? We just buy something and hope for the best?  With normal driving and maintenence, I am looking at what another 10K before something pukes? eight
Mopar or no car
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Re: Preventing automatic transmission failure
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1265497
07/12/12 05:59 PM
07/12/12 05:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
Vancouver, WA
MoparMarq
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
Vancouver, WA
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Don't know anything about those FWD trans, but beefier parts were available for the 904s and 727s IIRC - 4 planet sun gears, heavier duty bands, etc., etc. Someone here might be able to chime in with ideas, part numbers, etc. if the same can be done with the FWD trans.
Also, heat is what kills these things, I realize SLC isn't toasty in the winter, but summer gets into the 90s there doesn't it? You might consider getting an aux cooler for that thing. Maybe the factory had one for those minivans? Or look into getting an aftermarket one that will fit somewhere in front of the radiator/AC condensor.
Maybe even get a trans temp gauge so you can keep tabs on it. We've got a Autometer trans temp gauge on the '01 Durango. It's nice knowing what it runs at. 70 degrees F above ambient seems to be the norm on the highway, but stop-n-go really heats it up. I think I've seen 180-190 degF, and that's WITH the factory aux cooler, but no aftermarket cooler.
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Re: Preventing automatic transmission failure
[Re: MoparMarq]
#1265498
07/12/12 11:27 PM
07/12/12 11:27 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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Quote:
Also, heat is what kills these things, I realize SLC isn't toasty in the winter, but summer gets into the 90s there doesn't it? You might consider getting an aux cooler for that thing. Maybe the factory had one for those minivans? Or look into getting an aftermarket one that will fit somewhere in front of the radiator/AC condensor.
Maybe even get a trans temp gauge so you can keep tabs on it. We've got a Autometer trans temp gauge on the '01 Durango. It's nice knowing what it runs at. 70 degrees F above ambient seems to be the norm on the highway, but stop-n-go really heats it up. I think I've seen 180-190 degF, and that's WITH the factory aux cooler, but no aftermarket cooler.
I do have a B&M supercooler that is just sitting on the shelf. I was thinking about cleaning it out and installing it...if it already does not have one on there....(I had it one day before taking it in, and I didn't check). It does have the "towing package" designed to kill these transmissions. 
It was 100 degrees here today, so it's been toasty. I have additional coolers on my other mopars. I really should put one on my 01 neon too, come to think of it 
I will ask the rebuild guy if installing my own cooler will void the warranty.
eight
Mopar or no car
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Re: Preventing automatic transmission failure
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1265499
07/12/12 11:46 PM
07/12/12 11:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 12,291
Kent, Wa
340SHORTY
Truck Nut
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Truck Nut
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 12,291
Kent, Wa
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If you dont drive it, it will never wear out !!
I am truckless..
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Re: Preventing automatic transmission failure
[Re: OneOfMany]
#1265502
07/13/12 03:51 PM
07/13/12 03:51 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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So OneOfMany, we will soon be seeing a thread about how to rebuild you own transmission  that's what you get for being positive.   It sounds like you have luck like me! I know the family that I bought this from. She did get in a fender bender but only needed the front fender and headlight fixed. Interesting....  There is guy here who owns a mid 90's caravan with a twin turbo, runs 10 seconds. I wonder what kind of transmission he has! I am actually pretty easy on stuff now that I am getting older, my wife on the other hand....  eightlitermopar
Mopar or no car
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