"New to me" '96 1500 v8 5.9 auto trans. Guy I bought from had new trans last year. Now is "lagging" between 2 & 3rd gears. Told me new timing chain about $40.00...I didn't realize that was part cost only!! I love my truck but have VERY limited funds. Called autozone -just gave me # to local mechanic- no answer. What all could cause this? I'm inexperienced, but not stupid, so can I fix this myself? I have replaced alternators & starters but no more and not on trucks...teach me oh great ones!!

it is a difficult job and will take a few MECHANICS grade tools...including a torque wrench, 1/2 breaker bar...some chalk (to mark locations) is this a DOHC? those are trickier~ will see if I can find U a u-tube vid~

what a worn timing chain looks like~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbiIZ1mzy4k

You state the transmission is "lagging between 2nd and 3rd gear". This has absolutely NOTHING to do with the timing chain or gear. Do you mean that it seems to be slow on the "upshift" or its not upshifting correctly at all ? Are there any codes to be read from the vehicle ? Without more information I would first say, to see if there is still warranty time left on the replacement transmission and have them replace the "Transmission Vacuum Modulator". This unit decides when to change gears based on vacuum coming from the engine and newer units also have electrical connections so that the ECU can determine the best gear to be in for maximum optimization of the powertrain at "what its doing, at that time". Look up the part online thru NAPA or another parts retailer website so that you get a visual on what you are looking for.

'tudor...she bought a lemon....and is expecting us to help make lemonade from it...all I gotta say is "It'll cost ya" but first we must find out what your onboard diagnostics have to say...bring it to NAPA or get ye own diagnostic tool~

96 is an OBD-II...94 would be an OBD-I FYI~

You have to check the transmission fluid with the engine running while hot, should be between the two hash marks or in the knurled zone~ It should have a pleasant oily smell, not like varnish and not BLACK and burnt...also should be measured in PARK with the handbrake set~

really don't have to make you pay a guy for what you could do yourself...$100.00 is rich when you can make up to $12/hr workin' for Walmart~...I understand...have seen the homeless from out of state with a busted windshield and feeding their pitbull a soda from jack in the box from money they managed to beg shoppers for~...Life can be rough...sometimes~

Dodge "spirit" with two stinky unwashed homeless, busted windshield, shakin' down everybody for money...I don't deserve this...can't you people find some work? Crikey...in the parking lot of the Walmart...well duh?~

...but who's gonna watch "petey" or give him frosty cold coca-cola for nutrition~