Torque converter issue?

[MetalheadLLC]

First time Cummins owner here, so that definitely qualifies me as a noob in this realm. However, I am no noob to vehicles in general. Just trying to sort out something out here without knowing the idiosyncrasies of these trucks.

What I have:

2012 3500 ST DRW
150K miles
WELLLLLL maintained
Previous owner took it in to the Dodge dealer EVERY service interval.
He did not have any of the modifications, he had it bone stock, I just put these on yesterday after I had a Edge Juice w/ attitude on it for maybe 2000 miles:
RaceME Ultra
5" Flo-Pro Turbo Back

What's going on?

I have the truck on "Default" 120HP tune, and I am gentle as I am well aware of the 68RFE shortcomings and also the lack of overboost protection on the box tunes. The issue I am having is between 3rd and 4th gears, and somewhat between 4th and 5th. When it gets ready to shift to the next gear it's as if it hesitates, like it can't decide whether or not it wants to shift or not. From what I've researched, it shouldn't be the transmission itself slipping as I am not getting any CELs. However, I know that there are issues with valve bodies and torque converters so that is where I am currently leaning. I'd rather not take it to a shop as I am capable of making repairs on my own (short of a full transmission rebuild, voodoo and sorcery in there to me at my current skill level). But if I don't know the exact issues, then obviously I cannot know what exactly to do. I'd greatly appreciate any insight, or correction to my current ignorance on these trucks. Thank you all in advance!

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[MetalheadLLC]

Also, this is under mild or moderate acceleration. I have yet to go WOT with this tune for the previous listed reasons.

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[TH-64]

Welcome! Sounds like normal shift flare to me. Hopefully it's not the torque converter. Too bad you didn't find us before the Edge or Ultra. We would have steered you towards an MM3 with custom Warp Tuning from Double R Diesel. His trans tuning will rid you of that hesitation. Of course you can still get Warp Tuning for the Ultra at extra cost too you. I'm not sure why that shift flare would be worse with the Ultra than stock. Are you using the trans tuning that's in the Ultra?

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[MetalheadLLC]

Welcome! Sounds like normal shift flare to me. Hopefully it's not the torque converter. Too bad you didn't find us before the Edge or Ultra. We would have steered you towards an MM3 with custom Warp Tuning from Double R Diesel. His trans tuning will rid you of that hesitation. Of course you can still get Warp Tuning for the Ultra at extra cost too you. I'm not sure why that shift flare would be worse with the Ultra than stock. Are you using the trans tuning that's in the Ultra?

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Thank you!!

So so this is normal for these trucks? And yes I’m using the default stock transmission tuning.

Haha yeah I found out about Double R literally as I was downloading the ECM tune from the Ultra to the truck.

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[TH-64]

Too be honest, I really don't remember how my stock 2012 shifted when new. From what I've read the newer trucks are worse. I do remember there was quite a lag for converter lock up after the shift.

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[Power247]

If the hesitation you experience also includes an increase in engine rpms then this is typical of the 'shift flare' in the trans tuning on the Ultra and MM3. My understanding is that it's supposed to help preserve the internals of the trans as you up the power levels so I guess it's a good thing.

I find it us much less noticable with the more throttle I give it.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

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[MetalheadLLC]

If the hesitation you experience also includes an increase in engine rpms then this is typical of the 'shift flare' in the trans tuning on the Ultra and MM3. My understanding is that it's supposed to help preserve the internals of the trans as you up the power levels so I guess it's a good thing.

I find it us much less noticable with the more throttle I give it.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

That is exactly what happens! Ok cool, good to know. I was worried I was about to have to dump even more into it with a be TC or a rebuild or something haha.

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[MetalheadLLC]

and thank you!

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[HKBIGDADDYDIESELDAN]

Welcome to the family

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[Stewbuntu]

I have found that transmission tuning is not that great in stock tuners like the ultra in general unless you have some specific Tunes from good tuners like DRD. Even with stock firmware I currently basically have a missing 5th gear when my truck shifts from 4th, to 5th, then to 6th gear. My 5th gear takes a total a second, if that, to shift from 4th all the way to 6th going 45 mph.

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