LOST JEEPS
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/

Trans and TC Advise Needed
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=88100
Page 1 of 1

Author:  remwines [ Fri May 04, 2018 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Trans and TC Advise Needed

It appears that it is time for a transmission overhaul. It has 1st and 2nd gear, but no gears above and the engine just revs. The only trans code that came up in both of my diagnostic tools was P0700. I did a trans service less than 10,000 miles ago using Mopar 4+ATF, but the fluid is now dark. The 2005 CRD has 185,000 miles with original trans. I figure it's just time to for an overhaul. It is also just about time to do another timing belt service, and I need to replace the steering rack mount bushings and leaky hoses. So I am going to pull the engine and trans together.

I have been reading the many posts on which TC to go with based on the Jeep's usage. I have the GDE Full Torque ECO Tune, 245/70-R17 tires and I do not use it to tow. It is mostly used for driving mountain roads and off-roading occasionally. After installing the larger tires, TC shutter increased when going uphill. I don't think I need a Sun Coast TC. Any recommendation on a TC based on equipment and usage? Also, can anybody recommend a transmission shop in Northern California who is good at properly rebuilding/upgrading for this CRD, or a shop that I can ship to?

Author:  mass-hole [ Fri May 04, 2018 4:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

remwines wrote:
It appears that it is time for a transmission overhaul. It has 1st and 2nd gear, but no gears above and the engine just revs. The only trans code that came up in both of my diagnostic tools was P0700. I did a trans service less than 10,000 miles ago using Mopar 4+ATF, but the fluid is now dark. The 2005 CRD has 185,000 miles with original trans. I figure it's just time to for an overhaul. It is also just about time to do another timing belt service, and I need to replace the steering rack mount bushings and leaky hoses. So I am going to pull the engine and trans together.

I have been reading the many posts on which TC to go with based on the Jeep's usage. I have the GDE Full Torque ECO Tune, 245/70-R17 tires and I do not use it to tow. It is mostly used for driving mountain roads and off-roading occasionally. After installing the larger tires, TC shutter increased when going uphill. I don't think I need a Sun Coast TC. Any recommendation on a TC based on equipment and usage? Also, can anybody recommend a transmission shop in Northern California who is good at properly rebuilding/upgrading for this CRD, or a shop that I can ship to?


There are a couple of options that are thrown around. Florida torque converter has a few including a Liberty CRD specific TC and a hemi TC that has a lower stall speed than the CRD version(meaning its more grabby, its takes less RPM to engage.) These are rebuilt converters and are <$200

There is also the "Euro" TC which is an OEM TC from the European CRD. It has a stiffer spring to prevent shudder but is otherwise the same. ID parts and some other folks carry these.

There is also these guys, http://www.torqueconvertershop.com/45B%20Performance%20545RFE%20Billet%20torque%20converter%2045RFE.htm, although they have not returned my email in 4 days so who knows.

Author:  papaindigo [ Fri May 04, 2018 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

Probably 2 separate issues:
1. you need a torque converter upgrade - SunCoast or mass-hole's suggestions are good and cost less
2. the 545RFE is an extremely common DCJ transmission so any decent tranny shop can rebuild it or if you can find a low mileage used one from most any DCJ vehicle just toss it in. Either way be sure to get the upgraded front pump which I assume, but don't know for sure, fits all 545RFE model years.

Author:  rancherman [ Fri May 04, 2018 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

papaindigo wrote:
Probably 2 separate issues:
1. you need a torque converter upgrade - SunCoast or mass-hole's suggestions are good and cost less
2. the 545RFE is an extremely common DCJ transmission so any decent tranny shop can rebuild it or if you can find a low mileage used one from most any DCJ vehicle just toss it in. Either way be sure to get the upgraded front pump which I assume, but don't know for sure, fits all 545RFE model years.


regarding this upgraded front pump; Is this the TCC engage servo that has been enlarged? maybe a seal upgrade too?

RL009879AE seems to be the one listed by our vendors, (claim it was released in 2013) .
Makes me wonder if any pump work done BEFORE 2013 'on the bench' to individual pumps.. is what is offered 'in the box' as a reman now.
Mine had a trans warrantee claim early in it's life, and the front pump was replaced or fixed , circa 2010. I want to make sure it's got all the current upgrades available, before I put the engine back in! Anyway to tell by looking at the pump?

Author:  GordnadoCRD [ Fri May 04, 2018 11:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

mass-hole wrote:
There is also these guys, http://www.torqueconvertershop.com/45B%20Performance%20545RFE%20Billet%20torque%20converter%2045RFE.htm, although they have not returned my email in 4 days so who knows.

For me, he was always better at answering emails.
kerry@torqueconvertershop.com
Their shop is a very large metal building that is quite effective at blocking cell phone signals, but he does get email and answers as he has opportunity during the day.
He may also be setting up booths at hot rod shows this time of year.
But enough excuses.. he was always available to me when I used emails.

Author:  remwines [ Sat May 05, 2018 10:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

papaindigo: you're right about the transmission and I don't need to overthink it. I've had good results from two area shops and have full confidence in them for this job. I was just trying to give some business to someone liked by this forum. And thanks for chiming in. You helped me out with an injector issue six years ago and a few other times since.

mass-hole: I read many posts regarding all the TC's now available to us. Many members have a lot of performance upgrades and use their CRD's to tow. I don't plan on doing anymore performance improvements, tires are only 4.5 inches in circumference bigger than stock and I don't tow, so the Hemi TC seems like a good fit. It has plenty of torque to handle the lower stall speed for our purposes. The days of 9" 3500 stall speed TC's in the drag car are behind me now.

rancherman: Mopar Parts Deal has that updated front pump for $199, $100 core, so I'm going to get that on order as well. Thanks for the tip.

Author:  papaindigo [ Sat May 05, 2018 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

The original PN for the upgraded front pump was 68009879AB and it does use a different gasket than the 1st gen front pump. What year that upgrade came out, as opposed to the RL version, and what it or its gasket look like I have no clue nor do I know how long new old stock of the 1s gen pump were on the shelves. Best I can say is lots of DCJ parts have the PN # stamped on them.

The issue IIRC was at least one piston bore wearing out which could be "fixed" if pump was redone early, mine was, with the full transgo kit which included a pump part.

Author:  vwroad87 [ Sat May 05, 2018 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

remwines wrote:
It appears that it is time for a transmission overhaul. It has 1st and 2nd gear, but no gears above and the engine just revs. The only trans code that came up in both of my diagnostic tools was P0700. I did a trans service less than 10,000 miles ago using Mopar 4+ATF, but the fluid is now dark. The 2005 CRD has 185,000 miles with original trans. I figure it's just time to for an overhaul. It is also just about time to do another timing belt service, and I need to replace the steering rack mount bushings and leaky hoses. So I am going to pull the engine and trans together.

I have been reading the many posts on which TC to go with based on the Jeep's usage. I have the GDE Full Torque ECO Tune, 245/70-R17 tires and I do not use it to tow. It is mostly used for driving mountain roads and off-roading occasionally. After installing the larger tires, TC shutter increased when going uphill. I don't think I need a Sun Coast TC. Any recommendation on a TC based on equipment and usage? Also, can anybody recommend a transmission shop in Northern California who is good at properly rebuilding/upgrading for this CRD, or a shop that I can ship to?


I just bought a StreetSmart Transmission (Remanufactured) for 1790.00 3 year unlimited miles, free shipping to a commercial address. They can ship the tranny to your shop. I did the R&R myself. I have a Florida TC that I didn't use because SST said that voids my warranty. I definitely recommend a deeper aluminum pan with drain plug. Also use a lubelock RTV-less gasket (25.00 amazon) for easy filter R&R. The pan holds 4 qts more and also has a temp sensor port, bonus. Just mod your skid plate with stand offs in the rear. The new tranny is upgraded per factory spec. Reman trannys are what you purchase from a dealer, only new cars get brand new transmissions. Rebuilds are fine but lack dyno testing and QC. SST upgrades everything to current spec. I'm not affiliated with them but they have been really good to me a as far as tech support. One last thing is the TC they ship is FOR the diesel not just a stocker, they are very specific when asking for the vehicle i.e. they want the VIN.

Good luck

Author:  remwines [ Sun May 06, 2018 9:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

vwroad87: I got a quote from StreetSmart Transmission yesterday and as you point out, they ask for the vin#. The quote said their TC for diesel are billet with a single clutch. Have you noticed any improvement over the stock TC? They also give you two weeks to get the core trans out and call for a free pick up. $1790 with free shipping/pick up, and no tax seems like a pretty good deal. I'll have to call them on Monday to see what they are doing for a front pump.

Author:  vwroad87 [ Mon May 07, 2018 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

remwines wrote:
vwroad87: I got a quote from StreetSmart Transmission yesterday and as you point out, they ask for the vin#. The quote said their TC for diesel are billet with a single clutch. Have you noticed any improvement over the stock TC? They also give you two weeks to get the core trans out and call for a free pick up. $1790 with free shipping/pick up, and no tax seems like a pretty good deal. I'll have to call them on Monday to see what they are doing for a front pump.


The transmission is solid so far. They constantly keep up with the latest fixes since they are a primary re-manufacturer, I had the same questions. My OEM TC shuddered with Yeti's mild tune with a little foot in it up hills so I knew it was time to change it out. I don't have any shudder now. I'm gonna install my Florida TC in a year or so anyway, I should have just done that when I did the initial R&R but I've been chasing a P0714 ghost, bad wiring pin in the TCM connector.

Author:  mass-hole [ Mon May 07, 2018 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

GordnadoCRD wrote:
mass-hole wrote:
There is also these guys, http://www.torqueconvertershop.com/45B%20Performance%20545RFE%20Billet%20torque%20converter%2045RFE.htm, although they have not returned my email in 4 days so who knows.

For me, he was always better at answering emails.
kerry@torqueconvertershop.com
Their shop is a very large metal building that is quite effective at blocking cell phone signals, but he does get email and answers as he has opportunity during the day.
He may also be setting up booths at hot rod shows this time of year.
But enough excuses.. he was always available to me when I used emails.


Yeah I sent him a second email over the weekend and still have not heard.

Author:  remwines [ Tue Aug 28, 2018 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

Hi all. I originally posted these questions back in May, but had to postpone for awhile to finish up a couple of boat re-powers. I now have the trans out and it's at the shop for rebuild. My hat's off to those who have R&R'd their transmissions. It is no small matter! I have a two-post lift, trans jack and everything else needed, but WOW!

The Jeep has the GDE Eco Tune and taller tires (245/70). So we are going with heavier duty friction and clutch plates, Transgo Shift Kit, Sonnax Line Boost kit, updated (current) front pump and the 13-37 Hemi Florida TC is on it's way. Got the TC from Amazon for $175 with free shipping and there was nothing mentioned about returning the old TC to Florida.

I am now taking the engine out to deal with other things like replacing worn steering rack bushings, wire loom covers and insulation the rats have eaten, and freshen up anything else while I can see it. I am following the factory service manual ,have everything unhooked and ready to lift the engine out. The manual illustration shows wrapping a chain around and under the front lift point, but does not show where or what to use as a lift point at the rear. What is a good lift rear point? I see one small threaded hole on the right rear corner of the head, but it looks inadequate as a lift point.

Also, is it possible to go back in with the transmission on the engine? I can raise and lower the chassis as needed and have a forklift. It would sure be nice to not have to install the trans in separately.

Thanks!

Author:  rancherman [ Wed Aug 29, 2018 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

I grabbed a pre sewn nylon 4 inch wide 'sling' (about 4 foot, eye to eye) and looped it under the engine. Both 'eyes' came almost back together just above the valve cover. then I used a spreader bar to connect those 2 eyes, and the front lift hook. I think I took the oil filter off..
Because the front lift hook is high on the engine, the overall center of gravity keep the engine pretty stable. I was a little concerned with using a 'under the pan' type sling, that it may try to rotate.. It really seemed to be quite solid.

Going back in as one piece; I think getting the jeep on a fair amount of angle, pointed uphill, maybe the front end a foot or 2 higher than the rear will help.. but I think you'll still need to have the transfer case off.

Author:  remwines [ Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

Thanks rancherman. I ordered an 3"x8' strap and will wrap it around the rear of the engine twice. Amazon claims it is rated to 30,000 lbs, so it will carry most of the combined engine/trans weight while using a lighter ratcheting strap on the front. I have a forklift with an extended boom that I use for lifting out boat engines. I'll try installing it tailshaft down about 45 degrees, Jeep a foot or two up on the lift and use a floor jack to roll the trans back as we lower everything in. Sure hope that works. I cringe thinking about installing the trans separately.

Author:  rancherman [ Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

IIRC, I believe my strap ended up close to the #3 cylinder, just from routing it around various obstacles.. in any case, I'm sure it was carrying more than 50%!

I took off all the plastic fuel- return 'system' as one piece... from the injectors all the way back to where it goes to the CP3 and the 'return to tank line'.. Didn't have to wiggle any of those crispy push on fittings this way.. or worry about the strap crushing them. Took a little longer to take it off as one piece, but didn't have to worry about breaking off a plastic nipple.

Now that my egr cooler is gone, :BANANA: routing of the strap should be a little easier for my re install.

Author:  vwroad87 [ Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

remwines wrote:
Thanks rancherman. I ordered an 3"x8' strap and will wrap it around the rear of the engine twice. Amazon claims it is rated to 30,000 lbs, so it will carry most of the combined engine/trans weight while using a lighter ratcheting strap on the front. I have a forklift with an extended boom that I use for lifting out boat engines. I'll try installing it tailshaft down about 45 degrees, Jeep a foot or two up on the lift and use a floor jack to roll the trans back as we lower everything in. Sure hope that works. I cringe thinking about installing the trans separately.


The R&R of the transmission separately is not that bad. But you have to install the fill/level tube loose but with the transmission and not separately. Other than having to remove the exhaust and some heat shielding no big deal. That load you are moving with both engine and trans together is something I would not do, be careful, some mistakes you only get to make once.

Author:  remwines [ Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

Thanks for the info on the fuel return lines. That's the only thing I have not disconnected. I broke that brittle nipple off years ago. I ended up drilling out the plastic return block and installing a brass nipple.

Author:  remwines [ Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans and TC Advise Needed

vwroads87: I'll be taking the engine out later today when the new lifting strap arrives. Then I'll have a better idea about going back in with or without the trans. I recently used the forklift with extended boom to take an 1,100lb Volvo diesel engine out of my boat, so it should work OK for this project. If it doesn't work out, I'll report why I couldn't get it in as one piece. I'll try to remember to take pictures.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/