Dode Ram Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment General DIY




Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment Do It Yourself for a Dodge Ram
Works For:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Dodge Ram Models
Recommended Intervals for Band Adjust, Fluid Change, Filter Change: 

* 24,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first

Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment:

The front band controls the 2nd gear cluster. The rear band controls the 3rd gear cluster and reverse. For a 2-3 shift, the transmission shifts back to 1st gear with the front band while the rear band engages 3rd gear. If the front band does not release the 2nd gear clutches before the third gear clutches engage, the transmission binds, which shortens the life of the transmission clutches. If the front band releases too early in the shift, the engine will overspeed (sounds and feels like a slip) during the 2-3 shift.

1. Loosen band adjusting screw locknut. Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw
threads if necessary. The front band adjuster is on the outside of the transmission and the locknut requires a 3/4″ wrench.

2. Using Inch Pound Torque Wrench C-3380-A, a 3-in. extension and appropriate Torx™ socket (T-40), tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb. CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 (from SPX Miller) is needed to reach the adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 47-50 in. lbs. torque.

3. Back off adjusting screw the number of turns listed below for your transmission.

4. Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten lock-nut to:

41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) for the front band
34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) for the rear band
The adjustment screw inside the case is a square head bolt. You will need a 1/4 square head socket to fit your torque wrench. (this may also take a 1/4″ or 5/32″ six point socket)

Front Band Adjustment (on outside of transmission)


Rear Band Adjustment (inside pan)


Band adjustments for each model year:
1994

* Front Band – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-1/2 turns (all transmissions)
* Rear Band
o 32/42RH – Tighten to 72 in-LB, back off 4 turns
o 36/37/46/47RH – Tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns

1995-1996

* Front Band
o 42RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-1/4 turns
o 46RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-7/8 turns
o 47RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 1-7/8 turns
* Rear Band
o 42RE/RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns
o 46RE/RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns
o 47RE/RH – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns

1997-1998

* Front Band
o 42RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3-5/8 turns
o 46RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-7/8 turns
o 47RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 1-7/8 turns
* Rear Band
o 42RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns
o 46RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns
o 47RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns

1999

* Front Band
o 42RE – tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns. (TSB 21-16-98)
o 47RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 1 7/8 turns
* Rear Band
o 47RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns
+ The 47RH rear band requires a 1/4″ hex driver, the front band requires a
T-30 Torx driver, the filter is held in place by two screws which require a T-20 Torx drive

2000-2002

* Front Band
o 42RE – Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns
o 44RE – Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 1 7/8 turns
o 46RE – Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 2 7/8 turns
o 47RE – Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 1 7/8 turns

* Rear Band
o 42RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 4 turns
o 44RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 4 turns
o 46RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 2 turns
o 47RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

2003

* Front Band
o 48RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 1-3/4 turns
* Rear Band
o 48RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

2005

* Front Band
o 48RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds,
back off front band adjusting screw 1-3/4 turns for diesel vehicles,
or 1-1/2 turns, for V-10 vehicles.
* Rear Band
o 48RE – tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

94+ Automatic Transmission Bolt and Nut Torque Specs

* Front band adjustment locknut – 30 ft-lb
* Rear band adjustment locknut – 25 ft-lb
* Transmission pan bolts – 13 ft-lb





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4 Responses to “Dode Ram Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment General DIY”

  1. Donald Berry says:

    I had problems with my 06 Dodge diesel downshifting from second to first way too much. Under the least amout of pressure it would shift back into first… I was ready to order a new tranny off the internet for $3200 until i found this website about how to adjust the bands. Since i was having problems with the lower gears i only adjusted the low bands and my problem went away. It shifted better than it has in years. I then went ahead and took off the pan and adjusted the higher gear bands. This has saved me uncounted $$$ Thanks for this help… also this isn’t a job only for a seasoned mechanic… a novice back yard mechanic can do this with ease. The website says check the band adjustments every 3 yrs or 30K miles….. at 165K I figured it was past due….
    Thanks again
    D Berry

  2. admin says:

    Donald,

    Give a thanks to the guys at DodgeOwnerForums, they are responsible for this DIY. I just run this site to make DIY’s more accessible.

    Anyways, I am glad that you were able to fix your truck yourself instead of spending a ton of unnecessary money. Take care!

  3. John says:

    I have a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5.2 Engine. The hood sticker says transmission is a DGB, but doesn’t say whether it is a 42,46,47, ect. How do I tell. Thanks.

  4. Floyd Howe says:

    Under the 1999 vehicle REAR BAND ADJUSTMENT

    + The 47RH rear band requires a 1/4″ hex driver

    Should this be the 47RE?

    thanks

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