Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

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Topic: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

Posted By: Trish Davis on 07/16/09 09:23am

Leeann wrote:

Just put up a couple new pics on the ceiling...take a look.

Just did, very nice.

Posted By: RckyMtnTJ on 07/16/09 12:03pm

Just a few questions. I need to top up the transmission fluid on my 78 Dodge Sportsman Beaver. The manual says to sure Dexron. I have Dexron +3 for Chrysler vehicles. Searching online, I find that Dexron's are compatible. The higher the number, the more recently the formula has been updated. So it seems I can use Dexron +3 in my rig, however I am finding alot of people saying to keep Dexron outta Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep vehicle trannies and use ATF4 instead. Does it matter if ATF4 and Dexron are mixed, since I am not sure what's in there to start.

So, my questions are:
1) ATF fluid can I use or do I need?
2) Does it matter if I mix ATF4 and Dexron?
3) How does one change the fluid, since I may just change it out myself.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff N
78' Dodge Sportsman Beaver Big Sur 23' motorhome
69' Sportscraft Tent Trailer
98' Jeep TJ 4" Lift.. yada yada yada

Posted By: chinook440 on 07/16/09 01:02pm

What you,ve heard about not putting dextron fuild in dodges is correct but only for the late model overdrive transmissions.
Dexron will work just fine in the older 3 speed trans and was the recommended fuild back then. You could run the atf4 in it as well but i wouldn,t mix the 2 types together .

Changing it is fairly easy but can be messy if your not careful since they didn,t come with drain plugs in the pan.

You sould also check to see if your torque convertor has a drain plug ( most of the old ones did ) and drain that to as well as adjust both bands . Kind of to much to type out step by step right now but it,s all pretty easy if your handy .

Posted By: Leeann on 07/16/09 02:30pm

^ exactly what ChiNook said.

Do NOT mix Dexron III and ATF+4. They are not compatible in any way. Your rig was designed for Dexron. About the mid-80s, Chrysler switched to ATF.

'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo

Posted By: RckyMtnTJ on 07/16/09 04:19pm

Does anyone have a link to a good writeup on changing tranny oil and adjusting bands in a 78 Dodge with 440? Is there an easy way to get excess fluid out so you don't make an absolute mess? Do I just fill it through the dipstick, or is there a fill hole?

Thanks.

Posted By: Leeann on 07/16/09 04:36pm

Info on the Torqueflite
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/torqueflite-tom-hand.html

No, really the best way is to make a huge mess. Just have a large, large drain pan, one that can hold at least 7 qts, under the pan.

Before you reinstall the pan, hopefully with the Mopar 727 rubber gasket (it's much better), install a drain plug kit (NAPA has 'em, I think). You'll never make a mess again. They're wonderful.

I fill through the dipstick hole with a funnel. I think that's the only way, to be honest.

We installed a Transgo TF-2 shift kit in ours when we rebuilt it (turns out we just needed to replace the torque converter instead of a full rebuild, but oh well) and love it. Firmer, better shifts with much less overlap so it'll wear longer than stock.

Posted By: Leeann on 07/16/09 04:59pm

Oh, to adjust the bands:

[image]

Specs are to back off 2 turns for both bands.

Posted By: Jer&Ger on 07/17/09 07:21pm

Leeann, is that Loadflite tranny the same as the 727? Thanks....Jerry

Jerry & Gerry, our pets (dogs), Byron, Coco
1976 Monaco, 440 ci. Dodge Sportsman chassis

Posted By: Trish Davis on 07/18/09 10:21pm

Jer&Ger wrote:

Leeann, is that Loadflite tranny the same as the 727? Thanks....Jerry

Yep. It's a 727 Loadflyte. "727" in shorthand, ;0)

Posted By: Trish Davis on 07/19/09 12:32am

Mark--

I like this, it sure looks taken care of. If I didnt' have the "T" I'd buy it.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/rvs/1276810058.html

Also a good reason to stop and visit.
Take the train, I'll come and get you from the station. Better yet, both of you.

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