Transmission shifting hard

KASHAYA

MEMBER
1989 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
65,000 MILES

I just had my transmission on my truck listed above 1500 rebuilt by a local shop. Transmission still shifts hard in reverse and drive, shifts fine when driving on freeway. Transmission is A500. Took back to shop and they turned idle down which helped a little. The owner of shop told me that the hard shifting was normal for this year, by the way I just bought this pick up a couple months ago. Wonder if anyone else has had this problem.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I don't want to say it's normal, because it isn't, but it was a common issue. Inside the transmission valve body is what is called a separator plate. The plate needed to be removed and replaced with a revised plate. The new separator plate has a.110" diameter orifice to feed transmission fluid to the rear clutch. Also, when this was done, the rear clutch plates were to be replaced, but I assume that was done with the rebuild.

If you look below, I attached a technical service bulletin related to this problem. I'm surprised a transmission shop wasn't aware of this. However, I guess it is getting older and they may not have seen one for some time.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, May 10th, 2022 AT 8:57 PM

KASHAYA

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thank you for the information. Also, the shop that did transmission told me that this unit had three clutch plates and they added two more for a total of five. Would this have an effect on the hard shifting?

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Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 AT 1:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Often times plates are added to reach tolerance. It really shouldn't be causing the hard shift.

You may want to consider contacting them to see if this is something they would consider fixing.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 AT 7:49 PM

KASHAYA

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thanks again Joe. Your very helpful.

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Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 AT 8:55 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. If you are busy, no problem.

However, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe