Tranny Problem (?)

Hello there, I have a 1995 Dakota with the Magnum V-8 4WD automatic. Recently, I am having a problem with shifting from second to third. It takes quite a while (approx. 3100 rpm) before it thinks about going into 3d. Most of the time, I have to let off the gas for it to shift. Also, It likes to try to go into gear while I am stopped at an intersection. I feel it lunge slightly, and it behaves after that. Sometimes it will stall as it makes it into gear. I have ran through the gears manually and it does the same thing. Any ideas? I have checked my fluid and it doesn't look burned, it still has a nice red color to it and it isn't low. Are there valves that could be gummed up or something? And what about the torque converter? Would that be a possible issue?

Dodge has a problem with the inner seal on the Direct (3rd) clutch pack. The seal groove on the drum is cut to deep and as the seal ages it shrinks up and cannot seal properly. This is usally worse when cold. My 95 does it I switched to Dexton III from ATF +3 which helped the problem out. With the newer computer controled trans you dont want to do this it will cause shifting problems. It should be overhauled with a good quality O.H. kit which has a bigger inner seal for the direct drum so this will not happen again

Hey, thanks for the reply. Is this something that can be done without taking to a shop, or is it wise to have a specialist work on it? Dexton III you say you switched to? Is this something that can go for a while or does it have to be immediately fixed? Does the fluid change have to be monitored or is it empty-fill-and-forget?

You can do it you want just make sure you check the trans in the "N" postion with the Ebrake set. You should check your all fluids atleast every two weeks. It will get you by, but you should have it overhauled. I have not got around to OH mine mainly cuz I dont want to pull it out (sucks bad). I have drove mine for 5 years like that. Mine was not to bad with the late shift area. Kinda one of those things it still works so not today!!