Some List Members may remember that I has having a poor
shift quality on my '97 Dakota CC 5.2 Here is the update on
what really happened.
Apparently the bushing for the transmission pump was severely damaged
at the factory (Komoko, Ind). The transmission was in "marginal"
condition when the truck was delivered. It was running low line pressure.
On Memorial Day Weekend I drove to Chicago. On I94 just west of
Jackson, Michigan I unfortunately hit a large chunck of tire retred from
a semi. I was lucky it missed the body of the Dakota but it did rap itself
around the rear driveshaft at 80+ MPH. This was a large piece and
steel reinforced. It dented the floorpan just above the driveshaft and
destroyed the rubber boot and retaining bands between the two driveshafts.
Made a hell of a noise and lots of smoke. Just about locked the rear
wheels. It also wiped out every bushing in the transmission and overdrive
gear. At the time I did not realize the extent of the internal damage. I
drove
the DAK until the following week. I took it into a competent transmission
shop in Utica, Michigan. When the pan was removed it was apparent there
was extensive internal damage. The pan contained over 2 dixicups full of
shavings and power both silver and bronze. Hydraulic pressure from the
pump was about gone. I decided not to haul this mess to the dealer for
repair for reasons I won't go into here. I had the transmission torn down
to the bare cases. We kept the cases and the torque converter and replaced
everything else. It was put together very carefully using some new
Chrylser parts and some aftermarket parts. Used a Transgo Valve Body.
Line pressure was increased considerably over stock and the stock cooler
was bypassed and a 12000 lbs. Hayden Transcooler was added behind the
grill. DEXTRON III with additives was used. It was road tested several
times to adjust the kickdown correctly. This was the hardest part to get
correct. It is finally done. The gentleman who assembled and installed
this transmission assure me that with proper maintenance it will outlast
the truck and probably me.
Scott Vieth and Sean Meldrum from the Dakota List have "test" driven the
Truck this week. They seemed to approve of the shifts and driveability and
both are 5-speed guys.
It was expensive, but, I think well worth it. It gave my truck a whole new
personnality plus the durability I was looking for.
My apologies for such a long post......
David R.
Sterling Heights
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