Enlighten me, tranny issues

CRDburnouts · **Posted:** Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:50 pm

As a new CRD owner, I have only had software issues concerning my tranny(the shudder), I am beginning to understand that there could be some major faults that could pose serious problems.

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys, if any?
What are the tranny's weak points?
Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause?
Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades?
Anything else that every CRD owner should know...

Since everyone is telling me dont waist my time with power, first focus on getting the tranny to work properly, I would love to hear about all of the issues that you have had or are aware of.

Thanks!

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:33 pm

CRDburnouts wrote:

As a new CRD owner, I have only had software issues concerning my tranny(the shudder), I am beginning to understand that there could be some major faults that could pose serious problems.

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys, if any?
What are the tranny's weak points?
Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause?
Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades?
Anything else that every CRD owner should know...

Since everyone is telling me dont waist my time with power, first focus on getting the tranny to work properly, I would love to hear about all of the issues that you have had or are aware of.

Thanks!

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys? - None

What are the tranny's weak points? - 1). Computer hardware and software, some are under recall (F31). 2). Most '05's and some early '06's built with defective filters (TSB 21-007-06), 3). Front pump/seal failure leading to shuddering, lock-up clutch and torque converter failure (TSB 21-009-06)

Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause? - Several regulars on this forum, they will answer. Basically the weak points listed above. I caught mine early with the filter replacement, software updates and working fine now but took a demand letter and the threat of Lemon-law action to get DC to respond and fix the problem. The closer you are to stock, the easier the warranty arguments will be.

Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades? - Plan on going to war with DC if anything happens. All malfunctions, shuddering, bucking, stalling, etc...will be considered "normal" performance for a CRD and they won't fix it until it fails.

Anything else that every CRD owner should know... - You might as well start a repair file, saving every piece of paper you get on the vehicle. If you have a malfunction, visit to the dealer and make them document your complaint, getting a written response to their efforts to correct. In general, look for oil consumption, oil passing the turbo seals, transmission malfunctions, most recent software updates (currently TSB 18-023-06 and recall F31) for both the engine and transmission are supposed to help longevity. Don't assume that your software is up-to-date just because you just bought the vehicle. At least two ECM/TCM software updates and a recall were released since yours was built. Your '06 likely has a body module software recall too that causes the battery to discharge and check it's lower ball joint recall status.

If you want to start with a good, simple and relatively inexpensive mod, look at the closed crancase vent. You can add a Provent CCV filter system or do an open-vent hose mod to help the oil contamination in the Charged Air Cooler. Will be the best spent time & money you will put into this beast.

Jimbob · **Joined:** Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:05 pm **Posts:** 160

I had some minor shuddering and difficulty with the vehicle finding the right gear (most pronounced in overdrive). 95% went away after the F31 flash. I would go easy on those modifications you are touting as the CRD ECM can record alot of data and while they might not harm anything, if you tranny goes south they may trace it down to the Predator module (or more likely scape goat it).

midwest · **Joined:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:03 am **Posts:** 173

RFCRD wrote:

CRDburnouts wrote:

As a new CRD owner, I have only had software issues concerning my tranny(the shudder), I am beginning to understand that there could be some major faults that could pose serious problems.

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys, if any?
What are the tranny's weak points?
Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause?
Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades?
Anything else that every CRD owner should know...

Since everyone is telling me dont waist my time with power, first focus on getting the tranny to work properly, I would love to hear about all of the issues that you have had or are aware of.

Thanks!

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys? - None

What are the tranny's weak points? - 1). Computer hardware and software, some are under recall (F31). 2). Most '05's and some early '06's built with defective filters (TSB 21-007-06), 3). Front pump/seal failure leading to shuddering, lock-up clutch and torque converter failure (TSB 21-009-06)

Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause? - Several regulars on this forum, they will answer. Basically the weak points listed above. I caught mine early with the filter replacement, software updates and working fine now but took a demand letter and the threat of Lemon-law action to get DC to respond and fix the problem. The closer you are to stock, the easier the warranty arguments will be.

Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades? - Plan on going to war with DC if anything happens. All malfunctions, shuddering, bucking, stalling, etc...will be considered "normal" performance for a CRD and they won't fix it until it fails.

Anything else that every CRD owner should know... - You might as well start a repair file, saving every piece of paper you get on the vehicle. If you have a malfunction, visit to the dealer and make them document your complaint, getting a written response to their efforts to correct. In general, look for oil consumption, oil passing the turbo seals, transmission malfunctions, most recent software updates (currently TSB 18-023-06 and recall F31) for both the engine and transmission are supposed to help longevity. Don't assume that your software is up-to-date just because you just bought the vehicle. At least two ECM/TCM software updates and a recall were released since yours was built. Your '06 likely has a body module software recall too that causes the battery to discharge and check it's lower ball joint recall status.

If you want to start with a good, simple and relatively inexpensive mod, look at the closed crancase vent. You can add a Provent CCV filter system or do an open-vent hose mod to help the oil contamination in the Charged Air Cooler. Will be the best spent time & money you will put into this beast.

Mr RFCRD, if a vehicle caused as many problems as yours seems to, i'd sell it and move on. I certainly don't need a file for my CRD, it has been a pretty darn good car. As I have posted in the past, the closed CCV is not a great design, but neither is it new or unique. MILLIONS of Ford PSD's use the same system. I know, many will say you can't compare the 2.8 to the PSD, but theyare both internal combustion piston engines, which make them at least 1st. cousins. Stop all the fuss about CAC's full of oil. An ounce of oil in a provent does not equel an ounce of oil in the CAC. Maybe I just got lucky with my crd, but so far it has performed great and doesn't require a dealer repair file.

DZL_LOU · **Posted:** Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:04 pm

midwest wrote:

Mr RFCRD, if a vehicle caused as many problems as yours seems to, i'd sell it and move on. I certainly don't need a file for my CRD, it has been a pretty darn good car. As I have posted in the past, the closed CCV is not a great design, but neither is it new or unique. MILLIONS of Ford PSD's use the same system. I know, many will say you can't compare the 2.8 to the PSD, but theyare both internal combustion piston engines, which make them at least 1st. cousins. Stop all the fuss about CAC's full of oil. An ounce of oil in a provent does not equel an ounce of oil in the CAC. Maybe I just got lucky with my crd, but so far it has performed great and doesn't require a dealer repair file.

Mr. Midwest, a dealer file just makes good sense whether you keep the vehicle or move on and sell it. That seems pretty harmless advice, I keep one even though my dealership is my advocate for the CRD.
I thought the Provent was overkill as well until I had my EGR valve replaced and I saw the "oily goo" at 25K coming out of my CAC.
The Provent helped me isolate if it was the CCV or turbo seals leaking. Thankfully, it was the CCV which now the Provent controls from placing "new oily goo" into my intercooler.
I can say with certainty that an ounce of oil caught by the Provent is one ounce that does not go into the compressor of the turbo and then force fed into my intercooler.
Yes, some owners are lucky in that the CCV does not spew much oil and the turbo seals don't leak and the transmission is flawless.
The others love the CRD, even though it needs more TLC than other CRD's because we either are gear heads or because there just is no other vehicle in the market with a Diesel that compares to the CRD.

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:34 pm

midwest wrote:

RFCRD wrote:

CRDburnouts wrote:

As a new CRD owner, I have only had software issues concerning my tranny(the shudder), I am beginning to understand that there could be some major faults that could pose serious problems.

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys, if any?
What are the tranny's weak points?
Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause?
Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades?
Anything else that every CRD owner should know...

Since everyone is telling me dont waist my time with power, first focus on getting the tranny to work properly, I would love to hear about all of the issues that you have had or are aware of.

Thanks!

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys? - None

What are the tranny's weak points? - 1). Computer hardware and software, some are under recall (F31). 2). Most '05's and some early '06's built with defective filters (TSB 21-007-06), 3). Front pump/seal failure leading to shuddering, lock-up clutch and torque converter failure (TSB 21-009-06)

Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause? - Several regulars on this forum, they will answer. Basically the weak points listed above. I caught mine early with the filter replacement, software updates and working fine now but took a demand letter and the threat of Lemon-law action to get DC to respond and fix the problem. The closer you are to stock, the easier the warranty arguments will be.

Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades? - Plan on going to war with DC if anything happens. All malfunctions, shuddering, bucking, stalling, etc...will be considered "normal" performance for a CRD and they won't fix it until it fails.

Anything else that every CRD owner should know... - You might as well start a repair file, saving every piece of paper you get on the vehicle. If you have a malfunction, visit to the dealer and make them document your complaint, getting a written response to their efforts to correct. In general, look for oil consumption, oil passing the turbo seals, transmission malfunctions, most recent software updates (currently TSB 18-023-06 and recall F31) for both the engine and transmission are supposed to help longevity. Don't assume that your software is up-to-date just because you just bought the vehicle. At least two ECM/TCM software updates and a recall were released since yours was built. Your '06 likely has a body module software recall too that causes the battery to discharge and check it's lower ball joint recall status.

If you want to start with a good, simple and relatively inexpensive mod, look at the closed crancase vent. You can add a Provent CCV filter system or do an open-vent hose mod to help the oil contamination in the Charged Air Cooler. Will be the best spent time & money you will put into this beast.

Mr RFCRD, if a vehicle caused as many problems as yours seems to, i'd sell it and move on. I certainly don't need a file for my CRD, it has been a pretty darn good car. As I have posted in the past, the closed CCV is not a great design, but neither is it new or unique. MILLIONS of Ford PSD's use the same system. I know, many will say you can't compare the 2.8 to the PSD, but theyare both internal combustion piston engines, which make them at least 1st. cousins. Stop all the fuss about CAC's full of oil. An ounce of oil in a provent does not equel an ounce of oil in the CAC. Maybe I just got lucky with my crd, but so far it has performed great and doesn't require a dealer repair file.

So what you are saying is all the known mechanical problems, multiple TSB's, tranny failures, EGR/ACV failures, LBJ failures, and the 3 qts of motor oil that went blasting through the turbo seals are fictitious.

I definately don't take it lightly when spending $25K on a vehicle in good faith to find the basic engineering has serious flaws, then being ignored by the manufacturer. It took a year to get this vehicle dialed-in to where it's reliable with little help from DC. Two things I know for sure, I got screwed by DC on this vehicle, and it will be the last DC product I will buy for a long time.

This new owner asked a legitimate question, I believe I gave him an honest answer. May not be what some very loyal DC/Jeep owners would like to hear about this product, but it was an honest answer.

midwest · **Joined:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:03 am **Posts:** 173

RFCRD wrote:

midwest wrote:

RFCRD wrote:

CRDburnouts wrote:

As a new CRD owner, I have only had software issues concerning my tranny(the shudder), I am beginning to understand that there could be some major faults that could pose serious problems.

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys, if any?
What are the tranny's weak points?
Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause?
Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades?
Anything else that every CRD owner should know...

Since everyone is telling me dont waist my time with power, first focus on getting the tranny to work properly, I would love to hear about all of the issues that you have had or are aware of.

Thanks!

What are the differences between '05 and '06 trannys? - None

What are the tranny's weak points? - 1). Computer hardware and software, some are under recall (F31). 2). Most '05's and some early '06's built with defective filters (TSB 21-007-06), 3). Front pump/seal failure leading to shuddering, lock-up clutch and torque converter failure (TSB 21-009-06)

Who has had catastrophic breakdown and what was the root cause? - Several regulars on this forum, they will answer. Basically the weak points listed above. I caught mine early with the filter replacement, software updates and working fine now but took a demand letter and the threat of Lemon-law action to get DC to respond and fix the problem. The closer you are to stock, the easier the warranty arguments will be.

Warranty issues associated with tranny upgrades? - Plan on going to war with DC if anything happens. All malfunctions, shuddering, bucking, stalling, etc...will be considered "normal" performance for a CRD and they won't fix it until it fails.

Anything else that every CRD owner should know... - You might as well start a repair file, saving every piece of paper you get on the vehicle. If you have a malfunction, visit to the dealer and make them document your complaint, getting a written response to their efforts to correct. In general, look for oil consumption, oil passing the turbo seals, transmission malfunctions, most recent software updates (currently TSB 18-023-06 and recall F31) for both the engine and transmission are supposed to help longevity. Don't assume that your software is up-to-date just because you just bought the vehicle. At least two ECM/TCM software updates and a recall were released since yours was built. Your '06 likely has a body module software recall too that causes the battery to discharge and check it's lower ball joint recall status.

If you want to start with a good, simple and relatively inexpensive mod, look at the closed crancase vent. You can add a Provent CCV filter system or do an open-vent hose mod to help the oil contamination in the Charged Air Cooler. Will be the best spent time & money you will put into this beast.

Mr RFCRD, if a vehicle caused as many problems as yours seems to, i'd sell it and move on. I certainly don't need a file for my CRD, it has been a pretty darn good car. As I have posted in the past, the closed CCV is not a great design, but neither is it new or unique. MILLIONS of Ford PSD's use the same system. I know, many will say you can't compare the 2.8 to the PSD, but theyare both internal combustion piston engines, which make them at least 1st. cousins. Stop all the fuss about CAC's full of oil. An ounce of oil in a provent does not equel an ounce of oil in the CAC. Maybe I just got lucky with my crd, but so far it has performed great and doesn't require a dealer repair file.

So what you are saying is all the known mechanical problems, multiple TSB's, tranny failures, EGR/ACV failures, LBJ failures, and the 3 qts of motor oil that went blasting through the turbo seals are fictitious.

I definately don't take it lightly when spending $25K on a vehicle in good faith to find the basic engineering has serious flaws, then being ignored by the manufacturer. It took a year to get this vehicle dialed-in to where it's reliable with little help from DC. Two things I know for sure, I got screwed by DC on this vehicle, and it will be the last DC product I will buy for a long time.

This new owner asked a legitimate question, I believe I gave him an honest answer. May not be what some very loyal DC/Jeep owners would like to hear about this product, but it was an honest answer.

I didn't say your problems are fictitious, but I am saying I don't have most of em. People here just refuse to believe that there are CRD's out there with little or no problems. I really don't know what else to say.

DZL_LOU · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:13 am

midwest wrote:

I didn't say your problems are fictitious, but I am saying I don't have most of em. People here just refuse to believe that there are CRD's out there with little or no problems. I really don't know what else to say.

There are several folks on this board that are trouble free, those of us that have issues are just citing warnings and offering solutions on what we did to cope.
If your not having any problems that is great just understand that not everyone has been trouble free with the CRD.

If you followed RFCRD's posts, you'll see that he literally had DCX representatives meet with him to discuss these issues until they were acknowledged.
For some of us it has not been an easy road with DCX.

Drewd · **Joined:** Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:24 pm **Posts:** 902

My wife's 2006 CRD is trouble free. No shudder, no EGR problems, 24 mpg in mixed driving with a leadfooted wife. We couldn't be happier.

litton · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:09 am

While I have not had any "Shudder" this does seem to be a problem with this tranny in both the CRD and the GC HEMI and has been a topic of conversation for a couple of years.

I did notice that the latest flash changed the operating parameter of my TC dramatically. Now it doesn't lock up until ~62 mph and unlocks at ~55 or so. It appears that DC has increased the speed span in an effort to eliminate the TC rapid lock/unlock cycle at 55. It should work.

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

I would add that due to the efforts of some very experienced contributors on this forum, a potential or new CRD owner could benefit greatly from their advice. These CRD owners are in some cases experienced diesel mechanics, electrical engineers, car savvy enthusiasts, who have contributed hundreds, if not thousands of man-hours in upgrading, troubleshooting, modifying and providing useful work-arounds on this site. OldNavy, RFCRD, DZL_LOU, and many, many others have spent a tremendous amount of time and effort to share that information freely.

A new or prospective CRD owner could benefit greatly from this information. For example, one of the first checks that could save countless hours of frustration down the road would be to pull the CAC hoses off and inspect them for engine oil on a used CRD. If you find a clean set of hoses, its a very good sign. That check alone can tell one volumes about ccv/turbo oil blow-by and future egr problems. Others have shared extensive information on transmission issues, tsb flash behaviors and so on. Oil fouled sensors in the intake manifold are another useful tip to check for if your CRD has slowly deteriorating performance, as MACKJ just shared recently. Sharing this information can save intelligent owners or prospective owners hundreds of hours of experiemention on their own. This site is one of the best for a reason - the contributions of some pretty savvy CRD owners.

Try getting that wealth of information from your Jeep dealer. Just finding the relavent TSB's and experiences on them in one forum is invaluable.

midwest · **Joined:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:03 am **Posts:** 173

DZL_LOU wrote:

midwest wrote:

I didn't say your problems are fictitious, but I am saying I don't have most of em. People here just refuse to believe that there are CRD's out there with little or no problems. I really don't know what else to say.

There are several folks on this board that are trouble free, those of us that have issues are just citing warnings and offering solutions on what we did to cope.
If your not having any problems that is great just understand that not everyone has been trouble free with the CRD.

If you followed RFCRD's posts, you'll see that he literally had DCX representatives meet with him to discuss these issues until they were acknowledged.
For some of us it has not been an easy road with DCX.

I followed his posts and my advice is sound. If it is that much trouble move on.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:12 pm

midwest wrote:

DZL_LOU wrote:

midwest wrote:

I didn't say your problems are fictitious, but I am saying I don't have most of em. People here just refuse to believe that there are CRD's out there with little or no problems. I really don't know what else to say.

There are several folks on this board that are trouble free, those of us that have issues are just citing warnings and offering solutions on what we did to cope.
If your not having any problems that is great just understand that not everyone has been trouble free with the CRD.

If you followed RFCRD's posts, you'll see that he literally had DCX representatives meet with him to discuss these issues until they were acknowledged.
For some of us it has not been an easy road with DCX.

I followed his posts and my advice is sound. If it is that much trouble move on.

Mr midwest. Just one question for you. How many diesel powered vehicles have you owned? I'm at 12 over a twenty nine year period. I know when there's a problem :shock:

My trasnsmission shudder showed up less then one mile from the dealer the day I bought it. There are problems, you just don't know it yet :shock:

oldnavy · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:29 pm

No further problems with our tranny after the filters were replaced and proper amount of fluid installed. The latest flash for the tranny cured the slow shift at 35 mph, tranny has been smooth as silk ever since. Getting the proper filters and flashes done early was the key, mine were done at under 1500 miles. The last TCM flash cured the funky 35 mph shift and it is smooth as silk now. I think we are going to keep the vehicle and let the daughter drive it, because she loves the thing for some reason.

midwest · **Joined:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:03 am **Posts:** 173

oldnavy wrote:

No further problems with our tranny after the filters were replaced and proper amount of fluid installed. The latest flash for the tranny cured the slow shift at 35 mph, tranny has been smooth as silk ever since. Getting the proper filters and flashes done early was the key, mine were done at under 1500 miles. The last TCM flash cured the funky 35 mph shift and it is smooth as silk now. I think we are going to keep the vehicle and let the daughter drive it, because she loves the thing for some reason.

Other than the initial tsb dealing with the filters, mine has been great. However, many here won't believe it.

DZL_LOU · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:45 pm

I think there was some really good information shared on this thread for someone new to the CRD. Enough so that some understanding of the past experiences would be potentially indicative of future issues with the CRD.

Discounting or doubting someones past experiences is a matter of choice. In the game of chance with the CRD you may come up a winner with no issues for the duration of your ownwership or you experience those similar issues that you were so aggressively doubting or wanting tirelessly to show someone that they were incorrect.

Perchance, if the inevitable disaster occurs to the the doubters and nay-sayers, then they usually come back under another alias to the board and want directions and opinions on how to resolve their particular dilemma with the CRD.
Usually, it starts with the phrase "I've been monitoring this board for quite some time as a new CRD owner..........".

Rest assured, we will once again discuss the same items over and over again but for some strange reason they will be better received and make more sense to you when your under duress with the dealership or DCX than it does today.

To quote midwest, "If it's that much trouble, then move on." I think this thread is too much trouble so time to move on.

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:19 pm

Sorry CRDburnouts, it seems that your early experiences with lost have not been the best

Every now and then people will get a little cranky it seems, but this is really a very good place to hang out, especially for CRD information.

Not many people are into all out performance as it seems you are but I for one like to see what people can come up with. Maybe you could restate any questions you still have and get them answered. I do know that you need to take care of that tranny, mine has a growing shudder problem that began at about 15,000 miles, it is going in on thursday to get looked at and to get the F31 recall done plus any TSB's I might have missed.

If you dont have a provent or EHM you will get oil in the intercooler, if you still are getting oil then its the turbo seals. EGR's and FCV's do fail, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason for it as far as I can tell but I am certain that oil going through the intake does not help.

Just stick around it will get better than this thread has been.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:44 pm

First off, I really love my CRD, and so far (15k miles) it hasn't been back to the dealer. I did do the tranny filter TSB myself as a preventative. To me, the EHM is also a preventative.

As to why the oil in the intake is a problem, I will quote MrMopar.

Bold added by me for emphasis.

MrMopar64
L.O.S.T. KJ Member
Joined: 21 May 2006
Posts: 37
Location: Terre Haute, IN - Rose-Hulman

Reply with quote
Post
Sorry I haven't responded sooner...just got back from vacation in Florida and I have two 2.5L VM's on engine stands in my garage that I brought home from school that are getting rebuilds. I'll post up some pics.

I know that in the early stages of EGR failure it was due to oil in the pipe. What would happen is that the oily residue would build up around the shaft of the EGR valve and then when shut off hot or after cooling for a while, the coked oil would build up on the shaft and prevent full movement, eventually not moving all together. The problem is that the EGR valve is before the EGR cooler and not after it, so it's always subjected to the hot exhaust flow (bad design). Sometime in the 05MY run there was a TSB update to the software for a cleaning routing that would help prolong the situation, but it's still far from perfect. A better solution would be to mount the EGR valve inbetwen the EGR cooler and the FCV where the exhaust gas is considerable cooler. On the 2.5L engines that we have, this is how it is configured, and after hundreds of hours of use (i.e. beating them unmercilessly on the dyno) the EGR still functions with no problem.

As far as blocking off the EGR flow, it'll most certainly disrupt engine operation. If you block it off but don't unplug the FCV and EGR valves, it'll chug itself to death and not run at all. If you unplug the two, you'll get the same codes as mentioned earlier in the thread - limp home shouldn't occur, those two components will just not work. Emissions will also never pass if you're required to run smog, and it might smoke some more for obvious reasons. The intake tract, however, will be much cleaner - if you were to look inside the intake ports of the head, they'd be literally gunked up with oil from the stupid design...

_________________
Student - Mechanical Engineering c/o 2008 Rose-Hulman
Calibration Engineer, CAV Engineering - VM Motori applications for DCX

•1965 Dodge Custom 880, 405ci B motor 450hp, 727TF 2800rpm stall, 3.91 Auburn limited slip
•2004.5 Dodge 2500, 5.9L CTD 325hp/610ft-lb, NV6500 6-spd

KenJennings · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 9:33 pm

I count myself among the clueless here. Everything I know about the CRD I learned from the various experts and mechanical sages currently being piddled on in this thread. Their "opinions" are good enough that after a short conversation about oil in the intercooler and Provents the Service manager at the dealer thinks I have a clue and so far agrees with everything I tell him.

Not all CRDs are completely defective. My CRD hasn't had any severe mechanical failure. (yet)
It has had the tranny shudder and I feel DC's "solution" hasn't really fixed it.
I haven't yet had the time or guts to pull hoses and see what ugly stuff is being blown around in there.

Enlighten me, tranny issues

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