Dodge=dump

Originally Posted by armygreywolf

Hey, take it from me, the number one cause of transmission failure in a dodge is two parts. Not replacing your filter and fluid every 30,000 miles and not adjusting your bands. It goes a LONG ways to do both as scheduled maint. My 46RE 1/2ton dodge has a big lift kit with equally big tires and I made it almost 200,000 miles on stock trans. Proper Maintenance, Proper Fluids. Never EVER use an additive in a modern transmission, they account for more failures than abusive driving.

I would add to the failure list pulling heavy load up and down hills with transmission shifting in and out of overdrive. Doesn't take much of that and it will shorten transmission life considerably. Many models of Mopar automatics were notorious for converter drain back when they sit. Top that with they do not charge the converter well idling in park. Best thing on a cold start of if vehicle has been sitting for a while is start and put in neutral for 15-30 seconds then R or D. If you put in gear right away after starting and notice a hesitation, slipping feeling or higher engine RPM than normal that is what has happened.
I have a 94 Dodge Dakota One of the first things I did was change the fluid and filter when I purchased with 41K on it. Now has 287,000+, original transmission, just routine fluid filter changes and in neutral at start up or before moving truck. The ole girl shifts clean and crisp just like the day I got it.