TC shudder question

69Hcode · **Posted:** Mon Jun 27, 2016 5:38 pm

My TC seems to shudder while it locks up but never any other time. Is this the shudder I've read about? Shudders no matter how much or little throttle I give it. Is this something to worry about. I take it easy and I hope to get to next years taxes before I have to put anymore money in this thing.

I've rebuilt the front suspension, new tires, fixed the abs light, Did the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat, Changed the tranny fluid and filters. I'm done working it for a while I hope. I have other projects I can't even get to right now.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 27, 2016 8:01 pm

With OD-on, TC shudder can first occur when the lockup clutch applies at about 51mph.
Its most noticable under heavy acceleration or when driving uphill.
It should stop when you let off the throttle.
On flat level roads shudder should stop while you are at a steady speed.

It could be that your TC is in really bad shape and needs to be replaced immediately.
Or it could be a wheel balance or driveshaft/u-joint problem.

69Hcode · **Posted:** Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:50 pm

It only does it for a second while it locks in. It doesn't do it any other time. Once it locks in its smooth as butter. I can feel it in both 4th and 5th while it locks.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:05 pm

That sounds like typical TC shudder.
You can either live with it and learn to control it with your right foot, or you can replace your TC.
Are you running a Hot tune or stock tune?

I have a stock TC and am running a Hot tune. I get lots of shudder under hard acceleration. But its managable.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:09 pm

This may possibly be a temporary only bandaid fix to buy you some time! :roll:

Lucas Transmission Fix
http://lucasoil.com/products/transmission-products/lucas-transmission-fix
I have seen it work for some and not for others so give it a try and see if it helps. :5SHOTS:

It softens the clutch surfaces and hopefully will lessen the shudder at lockup. You will still have to drive it very gently.
The product is available at most parts stores...

Plan on at some time in the near future of having a new torque converter along with a new front pump assembly installed.
Some are having good results using the Dodge Hemi torque converter.... :wink:

There are other higher priced options available, plenty of reading on this forum about torque converter choices.... :dizzy:

69Hcode · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:02 am

I'm running a stage 2 tune from Yeti. I drive it pretty easy though.

I'm not too happy with how high the stall is on this convertor. What year hemi TC should I look for?

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:29 am

69Hcode wrote:

I'm running a stage 2 tune from Yeti. I drive it pretty easy though.

I'm not too happy with how high the stall is on this convertor. What year hemi TC should I look for?

I dont know of a specific year. Just find one for a Ram 1500 5.7 hemi with 545rfe transmission.
This one should work: http://www.floridatorqueconverters.com/Chrysler_Torque_Converter_13-37.html
But you may want to call them first.
Others here have used their torque converters.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:11 pm

69Hcode wrote:

I'm running a stage 2 tune from Yeti. I drive it pretty easy though.
I'm not too happy with how high the stall is on this convertor. What year hemi TC should I look for?

Be sure and read some of the posts on this forum on torque converters, there are lots of choices, hemi, aftermarket, etc...
This is a good example: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=84586&p=891898&hilit

The top dog is Suncoast, but it is pricey. They are not listed on their web site, but they are still available, just give them a call... I talked to them this morning....

Some on here are reporting good results with the Florida Torque Converter,
and some have installed the stock Hemi TC....
make the best decision for your needs... :wink:

Whatever you decide on, be sure and replace the front pump assembly while you have the transmission out for TC replacement... :!:

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:29 pm

To OP - I see you serviced the tranny. Did the "shudder" start after that service or was it there before? Shudder is related to load on the torque convertor and usually in my limited experience immediately goes away if you back off on the go pedal. I ask about tranny service as the tranny can do odd things when low on ATF+4 and the tranny dip stick is not wildly accurate plus the amount of fluid needed with a tranny service is somewhat variable. If the problem started after tranny service feel free to try some of the Lucas stuff, it might help, but more importantly add at least 1 or maybe 2 qts more ATF+4 and see if that helps.

69Hcode · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:16 pm

I don't know if it did it before I serviced the tranny. I didn't notice it until we were on a road trip at the end of May. I did put a transgo kit in it while I had the pan off. The fluid is actually slightly over the full mark. I don't know how much more I can put in it.

It only does it for a second when the TC locks up. Probably doesn't last half a second. It is real quick. Just enough to feel. Doesn't matter if a lot or barely any throttle. It feels the same. I can give it plenty of throttle once it is locked in.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:07 pm

Typical, the clutches in the TC have become hard and bridle and chatter when the transmission first goes into lockup mode and the front pump plungers are worn and are not able to apply enough pressure to keep the clutches from slipping....

A new heavy duty TC and front pump is the sure cure...

69Hcode · **Posted:** Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:42 am

I'll probably go with a hemi TC. I want the lower stall speed as well. I won't tow more than a lawn trailer with it. Where do you guys recommend getting a front pump?

TC shudder question

Who is online