So I went to the local 1/8th mile track on Saturday to play around with my new toy (1993 Dakota w/5.2L). First pass 10.25, second pass 10.39 and third pass 10.47. All passes were left in drive to let the tranny shift itself. The third pass it seemed to hesitate around 3000rpm for a second or two when it shifted into 3rd. Does anyone have any solutions on what it could have been??

Thanks Chris

I think I'd start with fresh fluid, filter, and adjusted bands. Sounds to me like there is some crap floating around inside the trans and its slowing down the valve body shift points.
Then again, it could be weather/air quality, or fuel quality, or a whole list of things dependent on track, weather conditions, and timing between runs. Gene

How many miles on this unit, how does the fluid look, any other abnormalities noted? Even little things that may seem unrelated could help diagnose a problem. Like a slower than normal reverse engagement when hot or the like.

The title and odometer show 226,000 but allegedly it was rebuilt. Cosmetically everything looks clean but not quite sure on the rebuild. The fluid looks and smells a little burnt. I put some seafoam trans tune up in the other day. This weekend I am going to change the fluid and filter and see if anything changes. Does anyone know of any good shops that build torque converters and valve bodies for this transmission?

Thanks Chris

I have a 92 D150 with the 5.2 318 and 518 automatic, the trans was changed under warranty years ago by Chrysler, A few years ago I pulled the trans and had a Mopar Performance shift kit installed it made a big difference and shifts hard 1st to 2nd. I was going to buy an aftermarket convertor for it but Lenny at Ultimate rebuilt my stock lock up convertor and increased the stall speed and I picked up a little over a tenth in 60ft times. From 2.20s to high 2.0s with a best of 2.05. btw truck runs consistent 15.20s in good air 30s in heat.