I just bought a '96 3500 a week ago and this site has already been a great help in getting the truck sorted out. A guy can learn a ton just by browsing these forums, thanks to those who share their knowledge.

I still have one nagging problem with the truck. The truck has 270,000 hard miles on it but runs and drives superb. The transmission has been replaced twice, don't know any other details on the tranny. My problem is late shifting. It won't go into overdrive until exactly 60 mph, then it will drop out at about 53. Big rpm change so I know it's not the convertor locking/unlocking. It makes it tough to hold 55, especially around here where there are lots of bridges and causeways, always under construction. Other than that no apparent tranny problems.

 

First of all: Welcome to the site!
The converter locking/unlocking is what makes the big RPM change. Mine hardly changes in rpm's at all when it hits 4th, but when the TC locks up it can pull it down about 300-400rpm's depending on how hard im accelerating. I think what you need to do is a few bombs . I put a 3k RPM Governor Spring Kit($125) in my truck, and it made the truck a LOT more driveable, and the tranny shifts a LOT better/quicker, and the TC locks quicker too. I would say that when it does this to you, just hit the Overdrive off button, and it will downgear to 3rd, and the TC should lock up which will make it a lot easier to accelerate(it might try to unlock again with to much throttle though), and then when you get to the speed you need, just click it back off, and it will hit Overdrive, and the TC will lock up if your going fast enough then. Its worth a try. Good luck

Eric

 

After I get the valves and timing set so that I have a good baseline the 3K GSK is going to be my first investment. After ten years in the marine industry I know and love the Cummins. It's just that boats don't have lock-up torque converters! So from the flywheel back I'm swimming new waters.

Still don't totally understand the lockup. Couldn't get to the hiway today but around town I was able to get up to 45 or 50 pulling a 3000 lb trailer. Hit the switch on and off and no difference. Is this normal?

Trying to maintain 55 is a real drag. I either have to run along with the motor howling or speed up, let it shift, then drop back down and hope I didn't hit a rise in road or come up on traffic or have to slow up a bit for any reason or I have to start the whole process over. Also, when I'm cruising 55 hitting the switch doesn't make any difference. By the way it's a 3.54 gear.

 

The torque converter should lockup a lot quicker with the overdrive off button depressed. My torque converter locks at about 35-40mph that way. Also. You can install a torque converter lockup switch like i have on mine, which will lock the torque converter in any gear but 1st, and this way, once you got in 4th gear, you could flip the switch, and it will NEVER come out of overdrive, and the TC will stay locked up till you flip the switch off. If you dont flip it off, it will either kill the motor or keep pulling you along. Or you could run with the overdrive off with the lockup switch on, with the converter locked in 3rd. This would also give you a little engine braking, and when the TC is locked, unless its slipping; your using ALL the power the engine has to offer. Let me know if you want installation instructions for the lockup switch. Takes maybe 20 minutes to do your first time, and all you need is a 3 dollar toggle switch, and some wire. Good luck

Eric

 

I would definately like to add the lockup switch. This truck has run non-stop since I got it but it looks like I will have some downtime this weekend. I'm knocking off for a while this weekend and the wife flew home so I get to have a couple of Dodge days.

I would much appreciate the installation instructions.

 

Ok. Here is the link. It is on TST's site:
http://www.tstproducts.com/Torque%20...p%20Switch.pdf

Youll use the top set of instructions for the 96-02, where i used the bottom on mine. You just tap into the B11 wire on the PCM(behind airbox), and run the wire that you tapped into it with into the cab and to one pole of a toggle switch. Then run a wire from the other pole of the toggle switch to any ground in the cab,and install the jumper wire in the box behind the battery on the drivers side where it shows you to. Just read over TST instructions a few times, and you should understand it. If not. Ask away . Just be careful because if you forget to turn off the switch, then youll run into someone probably . Just mount it where can reach it easy. I dont reccomend taking off with the switch on all the time, because it shift pretty hard, but once you get in 3rd or 4th gear it will be fine. Let me know if you need any help.

Eric

 

This may turn into a fun project.

My first project this weekend was going to be to remove the airbag. I have two broken bones in my neck and if the airbag ever goes off, even at 5 mph, it'll either kill me or paralyze me. (An yep, the batteries get unhooked Fri night.)

So I will look into combining the projects. It would be neat to have the switch on the steering wheel. Maybe in place of one of the horn buttons. Or there is an unused spot in the row of cruise switches, maybe I can figure something out there. It would be nice to have the switch in a truly handy spot rather than poking holes in the dash and then having to reach for it.

Thanks for the info.

 

Sounds like you better get that airbag unhooked! Yeah. the steering wheel would definatley be a good spot for it if you have room. Id say one of those push button switches would work really good. Also. Just as a pointer. Make sure you get the right wire, because there is another different wire there that is the same color as the one your tapping into. I accidentally did this on a 01, and when you grounded it by flipping the switch; all the gauges would just quit working. Its not hard to do. Just get the right wire, and throw the jumper int here. Good luck, and happy thanksgiving

Eric