2000 Dodge Ram Tighentend Band adjustment wayyyy to far

2000 DODGE RAM
126,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KAHAIW
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I just did the stupidest thing EVER.. In the heat of the moment I mixed up Foot/lbs instead of inch/lbs. As i was cranking on the front band adjustment screw with all my might the end piece of the front band lever snaped off and fell out. IDIOT i know. The question is "is there a way to replace that lever without a rebuild. Obviously i need some professional help here but im not really excited to pay the money for a rebuild. What would i expect to pay for a rebuild?
Apr 5, 2009 at 7:17 PM
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JAMES W.
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 2,394 POSTS
Depending on that transmission you have, they used to make a unit called a "flex band". After you got the broken band out, piece by piece, the flex band made in such a way that you could slip it around the drum and reconnect it. I think I used to get them from NAPA, but I really don't remember. Anyway, any good trans shop should know what you're talking about. Let me know what you find.
Apr 6, 2009 at 12:45 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
To replace the band, you must pull the oil pump and front clutch assembly out. This only requires a new pump gasket. Once the new band is adjusted, it rarely needs to be readjusted later.

I foresee more problems ahead. When you stick the front clutch back in, all the teeth on three or four fiber discs must line up with the rear clutch splines. If you are very careful with removal, reinstallation will be fairly easy, but normally you have to shake and wiggle the front clutch to align the plates one at a time as the clutch drops into place. If the last plate or two don't line up, they will prevent the oil pump from seating properly too. When you tighten the bolts you will destroy the clutch plates. If the metal link between the band and adjusting screw drops down into the housing, you will be removing the front, rear, and over-running clutches to chase it.

caradiodoc
Apr 7, 2009 at 12:05 PM
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