1987 Ram 50 Auto Transmission reliable?

[fullchoke]

Are these considered a good transmission? Are rebuild performance, or upgrade parts available. Like for heavier towing?

Thanks

[Fingers]

I would consider upgrading to a Cummins ISB 170 3.9L with an Allision 1000 transmission.

[fullchoke]

I would consider upgrading to a Cummins ISB 170 3.9L with an Allision 1000 transmission.

The truck probably would be overloaded just hauling that combo in the bed.

[fullchoke]

I'm wondering how people here view the towing capacity of the '87 Ram 50 Sport 2WD? and if it's not that good, how it can be improved? Transmissions can be beefed up sometimes if not strong and 2) does anybody have a hitch recommendation? I'd like to be able to pull 2k sometimes without burning up the Auto Tranny.

[Fingers]

With the age of the truck, a receiver hitch would have to be custom. I know nothing of the transmissions unless it's a 46RE or TH350.

[fullchoke]

With the age of the truck, a receiver hitch would have to be custom. I know nothing of the transmissions unless it's a 46RE or TH350.

I was thinking I might locate one in a wrecking yard if they ever made such a thing and if the truck was built well enough to handle 2k towing.

[fullchoke]

I was also thinking 55mph would be tops with a load on the flat.

[Law Dog]

I’d think about stopping when the time came if you can’t stop the weight don’t pull that weight.

[fullchoke]

I’d think about stopping when the time came if you can’t stop the weight don’t pull that weight.

There is a balance between pulling power and stopping power. What I'm mainly talking about is pulling power. 2k is not a huge amount of weight. The stopping ability can be enhanced by weight in the bed of the truck, and brakes on the trailer. Many modern vehicles have plenty of engine power but little towing ability. Much of the tow rating is determined on how the vehicle is constructed frame wise or lack thereof. Transmissions play a role also. Many people drive like they must get to the speed limit as quickly as possible no matter how close the next red light is and the rating may take this kind of driving into account. What I'm interested in is how robust the auto transmission is on this truck. Most of these trucks seem to have a manual, the automatic seems to have less following, and I hoped someone here would have some good info on it, particularly it's towing ability, and working history.

[dash]

I'm sure any of these pickup autos can be freshened/enhanced to do whatever you want. Research it
Lack of power likely an issue... unlike 'modern vehicles' plenty of power
55mph sounds like highway. You still have to merge safely while towing, with that weak carb motor


oe frame, diff, etc seem robust enough
If you can't find a mitsu-specific bracket/hitch, it's very ez to adapt from another similar application.
A trip to the wrecking yard, with a tape measure, should do it

[fullchoke]

I'm sure any of these pickup autos can be freshened/enhanced to do whatever you want. Research it
Lack of power likely an issue... unlike 'modern vehicles' plenty of power
55mph sounds like highway. You still have to merge safely while towing, with that weak carb motor


oe frame, diff, etc seem robust enough
If you can't find a mitsu-specific bracket/hitch, it's very ez to adapt from another similar application.
A trip to the wrecking yard, with a tape measure, should do it

If the transmission needs to be enhanced, that is a red flag that it's weak. Transmission work is expensive. Something that would not make it worthwhile hooking up a trailer. Engine power is not my biggest concern. I don't mind going 55 if that is what's posted, but freeway speeds...you shouldn't be out there going under 60 unless you're bigger than everyone. It sounds like the transmission in your opinion is suspect. I appreciate your posting.

[dash]

not a red flag that it's weak.
1). Was it meant to tow 2000 pounds ?
2). it's 35+ years old. What are you expecting out of it ?


Ton of 'moded' trucks on this site. Why ? Get em to do whatever it is you want. Way of life


these trucks come with either jatco or chrysler autos iirc. Quality hardware
Seen folks bolt upgraded turbo DSM motors to stock autos, and smoke the tires several hundred feet repeatedly! (vids on utube too)
Has to be a dam good bone stock tranny to even withstand that in its' "old age".
Of course it'll fail eventually, when you double or tripple stock motor torque, soo..... sort the tranny accordingly

[dash]

"minor" tranny mods not expensive. You have a healty auto. ID which 1 u have
An external cooler would be my start + fluid & filter. Lotsa helpful 'tips' online also

[dash]

your answer in here somewhere
Towing 750lb Bandsaw in Trailer? Yes or No? (mightyram50.net)