1993 Dodge Dakota Strong Trans Just Quits pours fluid

1993 DODGE DAKOTA
160,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PASTORKEV316
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This Auto Trans is on a 318 v8. It is strong and will pull and shift fine for about a minute but it just quits all of a sudden and has begun to pour fluid out of the bell housing. I bought it this way from young man who clobbered a ditch in an ice storm. He fixed the radiator and three days later the tranny went. I can brake tork it in reverse and drive and drive it around the parking lot. Just before it dumps the fluid it makes a noise. Can someone offer some insight. Time to replace or fixable? Thanks.
Apr 26, 2010 at 4:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It sounds like the torque converter is loose or damaged allowing fluid to come out the front seal. I would recommend removing the trans to check where the problem is coming from.
Apr 27, 2010 at 1:03 PM
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PASTORKEV316
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That is what I am hoping for. The truck had been wrecked and went nose down into a ditch skidding over several rocks. Thanks.
Apr 27, 2010 at 7:36 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help. Honestly, the only things there are the torque converter which goes through the front seal. Of course, the front pump is there and could be damaged, but at most you would need to remove it replace the O-ring and rebolt it. If you find it is damaged, take all the bolts out and you will need what is called a slide hammar to pull it away from the transmission.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. I'm anxious to hear what the problem is.
Apr 27, 2010 at 9:48 PM
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PASTORKEV316
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I pulled the Pan and found a few chunks of metal so I am saving up for a rebuild and new torque converter.
Jun 12, 2010 at 4:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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How big were they?
Jun 14, 2010 at 12:52 AM
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PASTORKEV316
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If I remember correctly there were 4-5 about the size of a pencil lead. I mainly just want to know I can trust the truck.
Jun 14, 2010 at 10:58 AM
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PASTORKEV316
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Do you know how I can identify what transmission it is that I have. This truck is a 93 and I also have a 91 Dakota 4x4 6 cyl. 45RE/RH but I don't know how to tell which of the many different types it is. Thanks
Jun 14, 2010 at 11:02 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The trans pan is different from one to the other.
Jun 14, 2010 at 1:39 PM
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BAMACAMP24
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if it is a 14 bolt pan it is an a500/42re and you can get the tork converter from a salvage yard perty cheap
Jul 3, 2011 at 3:19 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It could be one of 5 different transmissions. I need to see the shape of the pan. Also, if you can, get a new converter. If you can't, you should be able to find one in a salvage yard. Just make sure where it goes into the front seal is in good condition and not scored from the old seal and it comes with a warranty.
Jul 3, 2011 at 4:53 AM
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