Originally Posted By: JohnBrowning
Opposite Locker I noticed that my transmission 45RFE in the Dakota I had would shift much better when cold then it did with the Mopar ATF+4. Now my transmission had two filter inside one on the cooler return side and one for the pickup side. I used OEM Dodge parts because at the time that is all I could find. No one had aftermarket filter for it. I changed my ATF and all my lubes at 10,000 miles for new powertrains or rebuilt ones! When I did nine I used a $3 plastic kiddy pool and my Rhino Ramps! THe only problem I ran into was that I got about 3 extra quarts out then the book said it takes. I am guesing it was the Rhino ramps that made the difference. Lucky for me I had ordered a few extra just incase. The filter on the cooler return side is a screw in cartridge filter so it looks like a small oil filter but it has a threaded pipe built onto it and thread into the case. It is best to change both of these while you are in their. Bulkparts carries these filters and they are cheap through them! If you want a sealant that is a match for OEM and will not cause foaming of the ATF a product called either the right stuff I think it is what you want. It is a bit priceing comes in a compressed self feeding can but it dry's in 5 minutes and is almost industructable!
Oh and that spin in filter if I rember right need to be torqued to 11 inch pounds. That is what I remember converting the newtons listed in the service manual to. None of my calibrated torque wrench's had Newtons on them.
Hey JB
If you were having cold shift problems it might have been that little plastic bushing/seal installed in between the pan filter and the pump suction. If that thing isn't installed correctly it will allow the transmission to feel like it is slipping and not shift right, when first started in the morning. Once the transmission warms up it shifts like it is suppose to. Also, if it is leaking, allow the truck to idle about 15 to 30 seconds in gear (D or R), I guess it fills up whatever needs to be filled up and it then shifts fine.
Ask me how I know this!
Yep it happened to me.
Black RTV always worked for me. The OEM filters do not come with a pan gasket. The last filters I purchased were Hastings brand, the filter kit came with a cork gasket. Used a small amount of RTV, stuck the gasket to the pan, and WALLAH-- no leaks drips runs or errors. Heck I even used the old fashioned Form-A-Gasket #2 and it worked very well.
