New Transmission Options

sportsbud · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 9:03 pm

This is my first post, but I just picked up an 05 KJ CRD. It has 124k miles and was worked over by the PO to include an EGR delete and Yeti tune with CEL delete, and everything off the noob guide. Now there is one issue... He never touched the transmission... It studders horribly in 5th Gear OD at lock when hitting the accelerator.... He also had it doing a hard shift in and out of second and occasional hard shifting.

Well after seeing the CEL (long story but he didn't realize there was a CEL delete for the EGR and thought it was throwing that code) it was throwing some transmission codes a P0700 and P0714... I checked the fluid level and it was horribly low! I added a couple quarts and the hard shifting went away but after driving a few miles on the interstate it would do a hard shift throw a CEL and go into tranny limp home mode. After messing around with the wiring harness I pulled the solenoid plug and cleaned it and after driving all day today the codes are gone and it shifts great now but still had that TC shudder...

Here is my dilemma... I could replace TC only (probably solenoid pack as well), maybe TC and front pump... But it seems the low fluid level may have overheated the transmission for an unknown time.... In parts alone it is 1K for just the TC and front pump... Or for 1800+labor manufactured transmissions are out there that tout to have an updated TC that can handle the Diesel...

So after coming from Fords that don't play these games with transmissions what is the best option? Go cheap and hope nothing else fails or are the re manufactured transmissions shown to do good with our CRD?

Also I have named her Matilda as she is a problem child with so much potential... (and her suspension is blown... that is priority #2)

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:14 pm

Some on this forum have reported having good success installing a later model boneyard Dodge Hemi transmission 545RFE.
May be a slightly cheaper option than rebuilding your current transmission?
You will still need a good aftermarket torque converter like a SunCoast or Florida Torque Converter as the Hemi TC can present some issues with it's higher stall speeds.
I would shop around and compare prices, used vs rebuilding.

sportsbud · **Posted:** Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:28 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

Some on this forum have reported having good success installing a later model boneyard Dodge Hemi transmission 545RFE.
May be a slightly cheaper option than rebuilding your current transmission?
You will still need a good aftermarket torque converter like a SunCoast or Florida Torque Converter as the Hemi TC can present some issues with it's higher stall speeds.
I would shop around and compare prices, used vs rebuilding.

I am located in New Orleans the danger of trying to get a boneyard transmission is that it is probably from a flooded vehicle.... Local shops can rebuild the transmission in my area for about 1200ish with labor... But I would still need to purchase an upgraded TC and that is about 400-800 extra... The manufactured route would be about 1K more...

https://www.reman-transmission.com/2002 ... QYEALw_wcB

This company appears to claim that it is good for the CRD and with a 5 year warranty it would definitely let you know while still under warranty... While I would love to pinch some pennys to go towards the suspension this is going to become my main vehicle and the last think I want is a fried tranny on the side of a road... The fact that the current one may have been overheating for a while has me concerned with it in its entirety...

My66dodge · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 9:35 am

Have a local shop rebuild it and put in the trans go hd2 shift kit and put in a PNH 5450lsrv converter, I have a transmission like this on the shelf at my shop in case anything happens to one in my fleet. I have been trying to let people know for a while that precision converters of New Hampshire is one of the largest mfg of converters in the us and they make lots of converters for OEM. The 5450ls is stock and the 5450lsrv is lower than stock stall speed, it has an upgraded converter clutch, if you want they even have a 5450lsrvhd which is a billet version.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TKB4 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:13 pm

I would have a local reputable shop rebuild your current transmission also. Avoid dealing over the internet and possibly shipping back and forth etc ( even if they do stand behind their work)and be able to discuss with the actual person responsible for the rebuild especially if a problem troops up. Agree with replacing torque converter and front pump and shift kit and whatever else needs attention. I also recommend start planning on replacing the valves and putting in ARP studs in about 30,000 miles or so if you are going to preemptively spend this much now on transmission. You can drive around the torque converter shudder but you can't drive around a dropped valve.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:31 pm

When checking the fluid level:
engine idling, trans in N, parking brake on
fluid should be above the FULL HOT line, even when cold

A new upgraded torque converter will help with the shudder.
And while you're doing that, replace the pump.
The transgo kit wouldn't hurt either.
And I use the sonnax line pressure booster.

I've got over 200k miles on my mopar TC. It will shudder at times but I can manage it with my right foot. And sometimes when climbing a steep hill I'll turn OD-off. It wont shudder with OD-off.

Quote:

So after coming from Fords that don't play these games with transmissions...

Ever heard of the A4LD?
The worst transmission ford ever made!

And I'm not a fan of the AOD. (second worst IMO)
But I suppose some people like them. :roll:

The AODE is only slightly better.

The E4OD is VERY stout but sometimes has problems with the solenoid pack.

Cant go wrong with any old C4/C6. When they do break (which is rare) they are very easy to fix.
(my knowledge of ford transmissions pretty much stops at 1996)

CRD_Joe · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:52 pm

Xtreme Performance sells an upgraded 545FE tramsmission for CRD Libertys. AND, its on sale. Understand this comes with a torque converter too.

https://spprecision.com/products/545rfe ... -sale.html

sportsbud · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 3:52 pm

CRD_Joe wrote:

Xtreme Performance sells an upgraded 545FE tramsmission for CRD Libertys. AND, its on sale. Understand this comes with a torque converter too.

https://spprecision.com/products/545rfe ... -sale.html

Going to get a quote on a local rebuild but a reman seems better and better every day.

sportsbud · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 3:54 pm

flash7210 wrote:

When checking the fluid level:
engine idling, trans in N, parking brake on
fluid should be above the FULL HOT line, even when cold

A new upgraded torque converter will help with the shudder.
And while you're doing that, replace the pump.
The transgo kit wouldn't hurt either.
And I use the sonnax line pressure booster.

I've got over 200k miles on my mopar TC. It will shudder at times but I can manage it with my right foot. And sometimes when climbing a steep hill I'll turn OD-off. It wont shudder with OD-off.

Quote:

So after coming from Fords that don't play these games with transmissions...

Ever heard of the A4LD?
The worst transmission ford ever made!

And I'm not a fan of the AOD. (second worst IMO)
But I suppose some people like them. :roll:

The AODE is only slightly better.

The E4OD is VERY stout but sometimes has problems with the solenoid pack.

Cant go wrong with any old C4/C6. When they do break (which is rare) they are very easy to fix.
(my knowledge of ford transmissions pretty much stops at 1996)

My 02' Ranger is going on 180k no issues but I don't know much about the older ones...

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Feb 18, 2020 4:59 pm

Like TKB4 stated, a good local rebuilder is much easier to deal with than trying to do it online or across the country, especially if you have a problem and happen to need warranty.
When I did mine, I supplied the torque converter to my local rebuilder, he pulled the transmission, replaced the front pump assembly with the updated pump assembly and installed the TransGo Kit and guaranteed his work with a warranty. Never had a issue though and that was 8 years ago.

sportsbud · **Posted:** Wed Feb 19, 2020 1:43 pm

Well... Did the streetsmart route... $1800 shipped local shop quoted me ~$500 to install it... After calling a few local rebuilders the cost to rebuild this transmission was sky high... So the Reman it is... Called Streetsmart and they guaranteed that the Torque converter they use is rated for the Diesel no issues. It is nice that there is a 3 year unlimited mile warranty as well that is nationwide... Guess in a couple weeks I will let you know what a new tranny feels like (This is New Orleans have to be careful saying that).

Now next month it is time for the Suspension... Thinking the Rockfather II Deluxe since I need to do control arms and ball joints anyway... Any other kits good fro our CRD?

CRD_Joe · **Posted:** Wed Feb 19, 2020 2:16 pm

sportsbud wrote:

Well... Did the streetsmart route... $1800 shipped local shop quoted me ~$500 to install it... After calling a few local rebuilders the cost to rebuild this transmission was sky high... So the Reman it is... Called Streetsmart and they guaranteed that the Torque converter they use is rated for the Diesel no issues. It is nice that there is a 3 year unlimited mile warranty as well that is nationwide... Guess in a couple weeks I will let you know what a new tranny feels like (This is New Orleans have to be careful saying that).

Now next month it is time for the Suspension... Thinking the Rockfather II Deluxe since I need to do control arms and ball joints anyway... Any other kits good fro our CRD?

Well a lot of people talk badly about the Rockfather people. Some for reason, others without. Ive been happy with my Rockfather II Deluxe.

[url][url=https://flic.kr/p/MrYMvA]

[/url]Best car camping set up. 1600 by JT_Bentzen, on Flickr[/url]

sportsbud · **Posted:** Wed Feb 19, 2020 2:40 pm

CRD_Joe wrote:

sportsbud wrote:

Well... Did the streetsmart route... $1800 shipped local shop quoted me ~$500 to install it... After calling a few local rebuilders the cost to rebuild this transmission was sky high... So the Reman it is... Called Streetsmart and they guaranteed that the Torque converter they use is rated for the Diesel no issues. It is nice that there is a 3 year unlimited mile warranty as well that is nationwide... Guess in a couple weeks I will let you know what a new tranny feels like (This is New Orleans have to be careful saying that).

Now next month it is time for the Suspension... Thinking the Rockfather II Deluxe since I need to do control arms and ball joints anyway... Any other kits good fro our CRD?

Well a lot of people talk badly about the Rockfather people. Some for reason, others without. Ive been happy with my Rockfather II Deluxe.

[url][url=https://flic.kr/p/MrYMvA]

[/url]Best car camping set up. 1600 by JT_Bentzen, on Flickr[/url]

I'm looking for a modest lift better ride an occasional trip to the Rockies but mainly i need to ford canal street in New Orleans after a heavy rain!

sportsbud · **Posted:** Wed Feb 19, 2020 7:12 pm

In case someone does not know what I'm talking about.

iakj11 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 19, 2020 7:52 pm

sportsbud wrote:

Now next month it is time for the Suspension... Thinking the Rockfather II Deluxe since I need to do control arms and ball joints anyway... Any other kits good fro our CRD?

I did the OME kit. Purchased from sasquatch parts: https://shop.sasquatchparts.com/product ... berty-crd/
They have run regular promotions in the past for up to 10% off the regular price.

If you want or need upgraded upper control arms you should have a look at the JBA offroad website.

There is has been some pretty extensive discussion of lifts in the KJ 4x4 section of this forum. Many CRD owners, including me, are happy with the OME setup.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:59 am

I am happy with my OME (Old Man Emu) lift . You can install either one or 2 plates that change geometry on front to get a little extra if you want and I would, you can purchase them with the kit. Remember also if you intend to ever put a heavier bumper or winch on to get the kit meant for higher front end weight. I started to get that kit without additional front weight but I didn't.

An inexpensive lift kit is the Dayton and I have one that came on one of mine but it has a mushy ride compared to the OME.

You really dont want to lift the CRD much because of length of drive shafts and it also doesn't help front tire clearance much after a couple of inches unless you go very high like 4 inches or more.

If you intend to try to ford deep water with any vehicle but especially a diesel you need a snorkel. Water doesn't compress and get much in the intake and something will give=bad outcome.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:19 pm

I used OME 2790 front springs
Gabriel front shocks
Plus two conduit nuts on each side

Rear springs are Moog 81041 with half a coil cut off the top
Rear shocks are Gabriel for a 2004 Dakota 4x4

sportsbud · **Posted:** Sat Feb 22, 2020 8:39 pm

What's a shame is that GDE is shut down as I would love the transmission Eco tune done... It would be nice to boost the economy... Probably going to start messing around with the Yeti Tunes as well as it appears it has already been done (don't know which stage) to mine. Would be nice to boost the power so that less throttle required maybe means better MPG? But there seriously is no way to get the GDE eco(trans) tune now?

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:44 pm

sportsbud wrote:

What's a shame is that GDE is shut down as I would love the transmission Eco tune done... It would be nice to boost the economy... Probably going to start messing around with the Yeti Tunes as well as it appears it has already been done (don't know which stage) to mine. Would be nice to boost the power so that less throttle required maybe means better MPG? But there seriously is no way to get the GDE eco(trans) tune now?

Luck up and find someone who is parting out their Jeep and selling their TCM that already has the GDE tuned module.
It does happen occasionally, so keep your eyes peeled for one. :ALONE:

sportsbud · **Posted:** Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:51 pm

So far this has been great advice. Next major service will be at 170k I'm planning on a valve job and the timing belt (done at 70k per previous owner) also the ARP studs and maybe a headgasket.

In the meanwhile ball joints are toast and the darn bump cover is loose and makes racket on big bumps.... So probably just gonna get that rockfather deluxe kit and ball joints and refresh all other front end parts. Then add a snorkel to be safe when going across flooded streets.

Question what are the other recommended mods before water fording is GTG?

New Transmission Options

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