So I was swapping out tranny fluid (48re) and filter while I was under there changing the oil. Since I was there I decided to adjust my tranny bands. I got it all back together without the EPA showing up, and took her for a drive. Made it 200 ft before I got it fast enough to shift into 2nd, I think I left 2 huge black streaks on the road from my tranny trying to go into reverse!!
See, I hadn't reviewed this particular topic and was relying on crappy chicken scratch notes. SO I had only adjusted the Rear band and forgot about the front one. SO yea, hopefully I didnt destroy anything major, I get to go adjust the front one in the morning when the shop opens, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

So after reading the task on here I realize that I didnt back off the adjustment screw either after torquing to 72 in lbs. I really screwed this one up!!

 

just like to start off by saying i am no expert on this matter. But from what i have read on here if you do not back the bolt off 1 3/4 turns it will leave the band engaged. Also if the tranny is shifting fine or normal DONT TOUCH THE BANDS. I hope everything works out for ya. Let us know so we can all learn what happens.

 

Hope its nothing serious friend.

 

No. Nyet. Not.

Bands are wear items, especially the front band on a 48RE. If you do not maintain adjustment correctly it will hasten the wear and reduce life. Front band adjustment is CRITICAL as there is not much wear material. The trans will seem to shift fine with band out of adjustment and accelerate failure exponentially.

The above post is the reason so many builders advise no adjustment by amateurs. The OP is lucky it was the rear band he misadjusted, its much heavier and will take some mistakes. The front band will NOT allow such mistakes without rapid negative results.

It is pure myth bands do not need adjustments checked periodically. That frequency will depend on use and driving style.

 

Maybe thats why i always seen posts not to touch the bands if it shifts fine. because of accendently screwing things up. My bad on posting wrong info but like i said im not an expert.

 

No problem. Unless you have burned up these bands and had them apart multiple times to see the effects its tough to judge the veracity of posts. On the face of it, not adjusting because it shifts right is not a bad choice. No disrespect to the OP intended, but, his experience is the root of the advice to leave them alone.

The idea is also compounded by the later units using a flex band instead of a rigid band. These problems did not show or even exist in the earlier units because a rigid band has more wear material and better suitability.

The flex bands do just that; flex, bend, deflect, and wear more because of it. The adjustment is critical and a lot finer or they just go bad faster. On the flip side, its a lot easier to screw up and cause more issues.

With any advice and idea from an internet forum, some validity\common sense filters need to be applied. Advice to not adjust a wear item that is not self adjusting does not pass the test. There is a lot more that goes with the discussion than ever gets posted so context is lost. Bottom line, Dodge engineers spec adjusting every 20-30k for best results. There is a reason for the schedule even though the complete content never gets exposed.

 

My bands are adjusted every 30k miles when the oil and filter is changed, mine shifts and works fine.

 

Good post. I agree.

 

Quick question. It always feels like I'm going to break or bend something when torquing the adjusters to 72 in lbs. I understand the critical issues with proper backing off after torquing, but is 72 critical or can I go to say 50 in lbs? I do notice the adjuster doesn't seem to tighten (turn) any more after about 50 in lbs. Just wondering. I have to use an extension to do the torque on the front band and not sure of the exact torque, ie 2"in extension at 50 in lbs really gives me ????

 

72 in\lbs is not that tight, really only snug. The idea is to get all the slack out of the band and strut to have a good basis to adjust from. Could you tell the difference between 60 or 80 as opposed to 72? Not likely. The stupid flex band mount where the strut sits will also flex some and if you don't take that into account it can be loose.

Not even sure at that level and extension on the Torx bit makes a difference. If it did it would be the other way to compensate for twist.

More import is the back off measurement. Even then a 1/4 turn is not going to dramatically effect things where a half turn is too much.

One thing to watch for is making sure the jam nut is free when you hit your TQ. That has gotten more people in trouble than anything by causing a loose setting.

 

72inlbs is only 6ftlbs

 

Ok thanks, I'll ensure that I get the full 72 in lbs next time. Not having any problems, but will watch just the same

 

I have never touched the bands and the trans is fine at 100k. All I have done is change the fluid twice and added a maghytec double deep pan.

 

You can use whatever length extension you want, torque values are not affected by extensions. Its when using crows foot or other type setups that put the torque wrench off the centerline of the fastner that you have to compensate for the additional leverage.