[Stratuscaster]

That depends - some 3.0 models came with a 3-speed, the 3.3 models with a 4-speed.

The thing about horror stories is that they grow each time they are told, until everyone believes that they are 100% true without question.

The 4-speed automatic (the A604/4xTE model) in my 1995 Grand Voyager is running fine at 190K miles, although it has developed a seal leak recently. The 4-speed auto in my 1998 Grand Caravan is fine at just under 120K miles, and the one in my 1998 Stratus is fine at 150K miles, but I do have a leak at the trans fluid cooler that I need to tend to.

Basic fluid changes and not abusing them when driving has been all I've done.

[KOG]

1994 and later four speeds are usually good if fluid changed regularly with 7176+4. Earlier four speeds are fine if replaced with a MOPAR rebuilt. Three speeds (3.0 only) are good for 100-150K in most cases. Three speeds are cheaper to rebuild.

We've had some of all and will only buy 3.3/3.8 four speeds now.

[Dodgeboy49]

I've seen some very high mileage 3.0 3 speeds, but the key seems to be keeping up with maintenance and fixing leaks as they happen. Transmissions for the 3.0 can be a little hard to find because they have a unique bellhousing design, but magicians (oops, I meant mechanics) who rebuild transmissions tell me that the 3.0 is easily rebuilt.

Transmissions for the 3.3 and 3.8 can be finicky. I have encountered several minivans in the junkyard that were in excellent shape save for the transmission. Used, working transmissions are nearly impossible to find, but bad trannys can also be rebuilt.

These are observations I have made over several years of working on vehicles, but my tranny experience is limited to removing and installing them. I still believe there are little creatures running around inside and pulling levers to make the gears shift. However, if I had to pick, I'd choose the 3.0 with the 3 speed. It has been my impression that the 3-speed has fewer issues, and that they either work or they don't. The 4-speeds seem to have some common glitches such as "bump-shift" or going in and out of "limp mode". I think they are electronically controlled as well.

Anyway, that's what I have seen. Stop by a reputable tranny shop- they'll give you actual knowledge, instead of my ramblings!

[poorboy_616]

The 41TE in our 94 T&C (3.8L) is still going striong at 210,000 Miles. Knock on wood.....

Still shifts fine, and I have kept the fluid exchanged yearly.

[Bill R]

A transmission shop told my son it is important that the 4 spd is keep clean inside to keep it reliable. My son has a 93 Acclaim with the 3.0L and 3 speed auto - the shop told him that this transmission will handle some service neglect - dirty oil from normal wear etc.

[ygdude]

Others are correct. The 3.0 was available with both the 3 spd and the 4 spd. The 3.3/3.8's only with the 4 speed. I always considered the 3 spd to be pretty bullet proof as long as you don't neglect it and keep fluid in it. Took 1 to 175000 and the car was still on the road w/no problems and took one to 209000 with no problems (bad steering rack) The 4 spds were ok but were/are a bit more delecate. I think part of the bad rep that the 4 spds got was due to the fact they were new and needed the new ATF fluid. I think alot had the wrong fluid in them and failed prematurely. I think ALOT of them were unessesarily replaced or rebuilt due to the lack of understanding by mechanics and trans shops. now everyone has electronic 4/5 spds and most companies require special fluid too.

I have a 1991 5th ave that had a "rebuilt" trans at 45000 (I see no evidence that anyone touched that transmission)still going fine but only has 74000 miles (little old lady car) I've had 3 other 4 speeds with 1 over 185000 (new pump seals) 1 over 120000 and 1 at 80000 (later model)

A couple known problems. Wrong fluid, front pump seals and the valve pack acting up (some trans shops rebuilt the trans due to this) (go to the Dodge dealer 1st).

Good luck