Well, lost 2nd gear on stock trans at 70,000 miles. Put in new Jasper with triple disc converter, got 5 miles, hit slight upgrade and got a bad shudder as driving on the bumps on the side of the road, never had this issue on the stock trans. They replace the trans, same problem, replaced both u-joints, same problem, they said they couldn't figure it out and good bye. Drove another 1,000 plus and found code for overdrive and converter slip. Replaced and installed #3 trans, still shudders. Had a Dodge dealer check out the truck while #2 was in and they couldn't find anything wrong. With #3 in, test drove (put in 2nd, tow haul mode, exhaust brake on to lock converter) shudder in 2nd brakes on at 35, also shudder towing up slight grade, down shift to 3rd no problem. Anyone experience this? Jasper found an issue with the torque converter on #1, they are supposed to call me after the teardown of #2.

Update......Well Jasper called and said nothing was wrong with trans #2 and that it was my truck. I said I drove into the shop no shudder and drove out with a shudder, how can it be my truck?

Edited January 5, 201411 yr by x50v

Well they said they troubleshot per jasper and nothing wrong. I can't believe it didn't throw a code. Guess I have to have a breakdown.

Give us a bit more info. When specifically does it shudder? If you let out of it when it shudders does it quit then come back when you get on it? What else does it do? Do you know what your torque converter is rated at for torque and what is your truck putting out?

It shudders only when towing up a slight grade; only when the torque converter is locked; only between rpms 1700 to about 2100. If I am not towing then it will only shudder if I lock the converter; put it in tow/haul mode; shift lever in second; load the drive train to the point where it won't unlock the converter in second gear and then it will shake the heck out of the truck. It seems to be a harmonic, my exhaust system is very tight in the hangers and I don't know if it is transmitting the vibrations? My truck is 100% stock except for the Jasper 3 disc converter and transmission (is it possible for the converter (which has enough mass) to lock, then be out of balance, or become off center and cause the vibration?

Those symptoms are classic torque converter slipping symptoms. You have more torque coming out of the engine than what the converter can hold. If you continue to allow it to slip you are going to shred the lining in it and the fibers will go throiugh the transmission and plug things up resulting in a failed transmission.

By chance what size tires are you running too?

 

Matter of fact it might be a good idea to fill in your signature so others can see what you got on your truck.

Spotted trans fluid coming out of the bell housing pan, 4 drips only, guess what ever is wrong with the trans will eventually fail it to the point I can tow it in and have Jasper fix it correctly, Santa Maris Diesel failed to notice the fluid leaking from the tranny, if the saw it they ignored it. I will see how it goes on my next RV trip. Have no problems unless I am towing my RV. I will post again when it finally fails.

Thanks everybody for sharing all the possibilities.