Stalls when first shifting the transmission into drive with warm engine?

1976 DODGE POWER WAGON
1,200 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JON NORDBY
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With 360 engine running well, and warmed up, when first putting the automatic transmission in any gear, the engine stalls unless it is given a very high RPM. After getting it in gear, it continues to work normally and goes into gear fine when stopped and restarted. But the same thing happens the next "cold" start the next day. Transmission fluid is at the correct level and is new. It has a new torque converter. Help. Thank you very much.
Aug 20, 2022 at 2:06 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

First, I learned to drive in one of these. I wish I still had it. LOL

When it's cold and this happens, does the vehicle lurch forward or backward when it's placed in gear at idle and then stalls? Also, you indicated the torque converter was replaced. Was the transmission doing the same thing prior to the new converter?

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 20, 2022 at 9:49 PM
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JON NORDBY
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Thanks for the reply! Yes, it stalls when first put into any gear from warmed up idle. Just shuts off. It lurches when I give it enough gas to overcome the stall; only after digging a tire hole! then it works fine. Once I am past this point it shifts normally.
Aug 21, 2022 at 9:14 AM
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JON NORDBY
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I forgot to mention that it always worked before, but it seemed to start just a few miles after the new converter. I checked ATF levels. All new ATF DEXTRON III.
Aug 21, 2022 at 9:17 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I have a feeling the new torque converter is bad. Something is preventing it from releasing when first started, so it's like releasing the clutch on a manual transmission.

Was this converter installed for you or by you?

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 21, 2022 at 5:21 PM
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JON NORDBY
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I did the engine but had the new converter installed by a friend on the working transmission. (He helped me with the transmission). Then we put the engine in. First I thought it didn't have enough fluid but that seems okay.
Aug 22, 2022 at 7:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Based on what is happening, the torque converter is my first suspect. Especially if this started when the new one was installed supports that idea.

Do you still have the original one? Was it replaced due to damage?

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 22, 2022 at 8:36 PM
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JON NORDBY
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Thank you. The other converter is gone. After getting the project done, with engine & transmission working, the truck sat in a garage for 5 months. I wonder if the clutches or the pump might be involved given the sit-time, or if it is the indeed the converter?
Aug 23, 2022 at 10:26 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The pump wouldn't have changed in five months. My first suspect, and I could be wrong, is the torque converter. By chance, did you purchase it online? I can't begin to tell you how many people are getting faulty parts online.

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 23, 2022 at 7:17 PM
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JON NORDBY
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Got it from JEGS online. So yes. Thank you so much for your help.
Aug 24, 2022 at 6:08 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. They are reputable, so chances are they will replace it under warranty. The only problem is the labor.

If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
Aug 24, 2022 at 6:47 PM
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JON NORDBY
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Well done and thank you again. I will.
Aug 25, 2022 at 5:27 AM