98 Ram Transmission Problem

I built the 46RE in my Ram a few months ago and installed a new torque converter (stock reman). Everything was fine until 1 day last week. The truck won't move in forward or reverse. I can turn the engine off for 30 seconds, restart and it will move for a brief time. I repeated this procedure a couple of times to get it to my shop.

The fluid looks perfect and doesn't smell burned. Nothing in the pan either. No ujoint or driveshaft issues. I am thinking valve body or torque converter? I am leaning towards converter since it will move after everything stops spinning and is restarted.

Which would you replace first?

I'd be more inclined to thing the pump has failed...even a failed pump will often put out some pressure.

You need to check the line pressure with a gauge attached to the center hump on the passenger side. Shifter has to be in a forward gear to get a pressure reading.

Filter is probably restricted. Need to find out why.

Pat

Before you go tearing everything apart, in park or netrual what are the max RPM's the engine can turn?,...if your limited to 1500-1800,...you may have had a catalytic convertor take a dump on you, and it can happen quickly, and give you "ghost" symptoms that you are describing that the transmission is possibly at fault,...DAMHIK

I didn't try to rev it too hard in park/neutral but it would go to 2000-2200 with no problems. Didn't try to go higher as I was afraid it might catch and break more stuff.

Filter isn't plugged and no material of any kind was in the pan. I think I will put the valve body back in and get a pressure reading as John suggested. I have noticed that the park to drive or reverse engagement and shifts are all very soft. Not to the point of slipping but just very soft.

Thanks for all the input guys!